Gourmet Salt Tasting By Carol Ritchie   As summer winds down, and Labor day approaches, celebrate some favorite summertime tastes. This gourmet salt-tasting session also helps to demystify the varieties of salt that are available now. 1. Fresh corn-on-the cob (grilled or steamed): rub with lime wedge, a sprinkle of chili powder and a dash of salt. 2. Watermelon wedges with a light sprinkle of salt. 3. Simple salad of fresh heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a light sprinkle of salt. Table salt is a fine-grained refined salt with additives that make it free-flowing. It is mainly used in cooking and as a table condiment. Most of today’s salt is mined and comes from large deposits left by dried salt lakes throughout the world. Iodized salt is table salt with added iodine (sodium iodide)---particularly important in areas that lack natural iodine; an important preventative for hypothyroidism. Sea salt comes from evaporated sea water and contains very small amounts of minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Many cooks prefer sea salt, as they feel it has a cleaner, saltier flavor compared to table salt. Coarse grains can be ground to a finer texture by using a salt-grinder, or simply purchase a finer grain sea salt. French sea salt (sel marin) comes from sea water that is pooled into basins and then evaporated. Unlike American sea salts, it is unrefined and retains more of the minerals that naturally occur in sea water. There are several varieties. Gray salt (sel gris), gets its color from the clay lining the basins. La fleur de sel (the flower of the salt) is whiter but has a similar flavor. Many cooks feel that the flavor is softer and fresher. Kosher salt was developed for the preparation of kosher meats. The grains are coarse and somewhat flaky and are perfect for making a salt crust on meat or fish, sprinkling a small amount on salad for texture and flavor, or for lightly coating the rim of a margarita glass. Kosher salt does not contain iodine and has a mild salty flavor. Maldon sea salt (pure flaky crystals) is a sea salt that is processed into flaky crystals of salt. For more information, visit www.maldonsalt.co.uk For more information on varieties of salt, visit the following reference and source websites: www.napastyle.com (or call toll free 1-866-776-6272 for Gray Salt and other products) www.centralmarket.com (variety of salts including Maldon Sea Salt, pure flaky crystals) www.wholefoods.com www.foodsubs.com/salt.html Additional salt information reference: Food Lover’s Companion, Sharon Tyler Herbst, 2001 Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. Moderation is key: The American Heart Association recommends that all healthy Americans over the age of two consume no more than 2,400 miligrams of sodium per day. For more information about The American Heart Association dietary guidelines, visit www.americanheart.org   Read Carol Ritchie's other Archived articles! Click here. Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com