Celtic Salt Vs Himalayan Salt
Salt is really important in cooking all over the world. If you don’t use it, food can taste bland. It’s not just for flavour; it’s also good for your health. There are many types of salt in stores, mainly sea salts. Some come from the sea directly, while others are leftovers from evaporated seawater. Picking the right one can be tricky. In this article, we’ll learn about two popular types: Celtic salt vs Himalayan salt.
Celtic Salt
Celtic salt comes from the coast near Brittany, France. Because it’s naturally moist, it’s always a bit damp and greyish, no matter what the weather condition. After it’s collected from the shore, it’s dried in the wind and sunlight. It has less sodium than table salt and contains some important trace minerals.
Benefits Of Celtic Sea Salt
The mix of essential minerals in Celtic sea salt makes it handy for many things:
- Taking Celtic salt before bed can relieve you from lung congestion and a runny nose.
- Using Celtic salts helps relieve bloating and water retention.
- Celtic salt can be used to stop drooling during sleep.
- A sore throat can be treated by gargling Celtic salt water.
- Cure wounds and enhance cell growth by soaking yourself in a Celtic saltwater bath.
- Reduces mucous production in the body.
- A warm Celtic salt water bath can relieve joint pains.
Himalayan Salt
Himalayan salt comes from the foothills of the Himalayas, Asia’s highest mountain ranges. It is mostly sodium chloride with a bit of other minerals mixed in it. It actually has less sodium than regular table salt. People also call it the purest salt because it’s free from pollution and other contaminants found in the environment.
Benefits Of Himalayan Salt
Himalayan salt is the purest salt form on the planet and has several benefits. Some of them are mentioned below.
- It is used as a seasoning and preservative agent.
- The Himalayan salt blocks are used to serve dishes in fancy restaurants.
- It can be used as a salt bath, which has a soothing effect on your body.
- It serves as an important ingredient in skincare and beauty products.
- Used as home decor
- Used as salt lick for animals to provide essential minerals for them.
- Reduces muscle cramps
Environmental Impact
Environmentally conscious consumers often prefer Celtic Sea Salt due to its low carbon footprint compared to Himalayan salt. This is primarily because Celtic Sea Salt is typically harvested closer to Western markets, reducing the emissions associated with transportation. Additionally, the hand-harvesting techniques employed in collecting Celtic Sea Salt have a lower environmental impact than the mining processes used to extract Himalayan salt. In contrast, Himalayan salt is mined from deep within the earth, a process that can lead to habitat destruction and other environmental concerns. Therefore, Celtic Sea Salt can be a preferable choice for those concerned about sustainability and environmental impact over Himalayan salt.
Colour
The distinctive pink colour of Himalayan pink salt is due to the trace minerals, particularly iron, within the salt. These minerals give the salt a subtle pink hue to the salt crystals, which can sometimes exhibit shades of orange depending on the mineral composition and environmental factors during the formation of salt deposits.
On the other hand, Celtic sea salt is grayish in colour due to its magnesium content, among other trace minerals. These minerals contribute to the salt’s natural grayish tone, giving it a distinct appearance compared to other types of salt. The varying colours of these salts add visual appeal to dishes, and some people believe they offer additional health benefits apart from regular table salt.
Moisture Content
Himalayan pink salt is typically dry, containing very little moisture, with a residual moisture content of around 0.026%. Meanwhile, Celtic sea salt has a higher moisture content, approximately 13%. This difference in moisture levels affects the texture and handling characteristics of the salts, with Himalayan pink salt being drier and more granular, while Celtic sea salt may have a slightly moist or clumpy texture.
Taste and Flavor
Celtic sea salt offers a distinctive taste of strong and salty flavour, attributed to its higher salt concentration in water during harvesting. The salt crystals are typically moist and large, providing a satisfying crunch. On the other hand, Himalayan pink salt provides a more subtle flavour compared to Celtic sea salt. It is often preferred for delicate dishes due to its mild saltiness, which enhances flavours without dominating them.
Composition
There’s a notable difference in the number of trace elements in each salt. Himalayan salt contains 84 trace elements, whereas Celtic salt contains 34. Himalayan salt is composed of 98% sodium chloride, whereas Celtic salt is made up of 33% sodium and 50.9% chloride. Pink Himalayan salt is extracted from the Himalayan mountains, while Celtic salt is sourced from the coastal regions of France. Himalayan salt is hand-mined as large rocks, whereas Celtic salt is obtained by evaporating seawater, resulting in crystal formation. Himalayan salt is pink, while Celtic salt appears light grey.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the subtle taste of Celtic salt or the slightly more complex flavour of Himalayan salt, both can be used to enhance the taste of your favourite foods. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal preference and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a bold flavour enhancer or a gentle seasoning for delicate dishes, Celtic Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt can be valuable additions to your kitchen. If you are looking for high-quality food-grade salt, consider reaching out to Canada Salt Group Ltd. We provide bulk salt and salt products, offering a wide range of options to suit your culinary and industrial needs. Contact us for more details.