Quick answer
Table Salt is refined, processed salt from Manufactured worldwide from rock salt or sea salt deposits. Sharp, one-dimensional saltiness.
Key takeaways
- Table Salt is refined, processed salt from Manufactured worldwide from rock salt or sea salt deposits.
- Table salt starts as either mined rock salt or evaporated sea salt.
- Despite the trend toward specialty salts, table salt has legitimate advantages.
Salt refining became industrialized in the 19th century. Iodization of table salt began in the United States in 1924 to address widespread goiter caused by iodine deficiency. Today, iodized table salt remains the most consumed salt globally and is one of the most successful public health interventions in history.
Formation: Refined from various natural salt sources
How Table Salt Is Made
Table salt starts as either mined rock salt or evaporated sea salt. The raw salt is dissolved in water, filtered to remove impurities and trace minerals, then re-evaporated to produce pure sodium chloride crystals. The crystals are ground to a uniform fine size. Anti-caking agents such as calcium silicate or sodium aluminosilicate are added to prevent clumping. Most brands also add potassium iodide for iodine fortification. The result is a highly consistent product that is 99.5% or more pure sodium chloride.
When to Use Table Salt
Despite the trend toward specialty salts, table salt has legitimate advantages. Its uniform grain size makes it the most reliable salt for baking, where precise measurements matter. It dissolves instantly in water, making it ideal for brines, marinades, and salted cooking water. For canning and pickling, its purity prevents cloudiness in preservation liquids. And its low cost makes it practical for large-quantity uses like salting pasta water or ice cream making.
Mineral Profile
Composition per 100g for table salt. Values vary by harvest location and depth.
| Mineral | Content (g/100g) |
|---|---|
| sodium | 39.3 |
| chloride | 60.2 |
| calcium | 0 |
| potassium | 0.01 |
| magnesium | 0 |
| iron | 0 |
| zinc | 0 |
| Trace minerals | 2+ |
Best Uses for Table Salt
Recommended for
- Baking (precise measurements)
- Canning
- Pickling
- Iodine supplementation
Not ideal for
- Finishing dishes
- Gourmet cooking
Chef's tip: For baking, table salt's fine, uniform grain size makes it the most precise option for measuring. One teaspoon of table salt is consistently about 6 grams of sodium chloride.
Quick Facts
| Origin | Manufactured worldwide from rock salt or sea salt deposits |
| Color | Pure white |
| Type | Refined, processed salt |
| Harvest method | Mined or evaporated, then purified to 99.5%+ sodium chloride |
| Grain sizes | Fine uniform granules |
| Price range | $0.50-2 per pound |
Health note: Most table salt is fortified with iodine, an essential mineral for thyroid function. This was introduced in the 1920s to combat iodine deficiency disorders. Anti-caking agents like calcium silicate prevent clumping.
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