salt 12 types of salt Table salt Table salt, the most commonly used salt in kitchens, is typically made from rock salt or sea salt. It consists mostly of sodium chloride, making up 97% to 99% of the mix. To prevent clumping, small percentages of anti-caking agents are added. Table salt is often purified.  Table salts packaged by branded companies often may contain iodine, fluoride, or folic acid as additives. It is versatile and widely available, making it suitable for adding saltiness to various dishes. The small, uniform crystals of table salt blend and dissolve easily, allowing for precise control.  Read more: Health benefits of floral teas: 10 blends you can try Sea salt Sea salt is a type of salt that is derived from seawater through the process of evaporation. It is commonly produced in coastal regions with warm climates and abundant sunshine. The seawater is collected in shallow pools and left to evaporate naturally, leaving behind sea salt flakes on the salt bed. This traditional and natural method is widely used, although some countries employ alternative techniques involving heat to facilitate evaporation in less favorable climates. Sea salt is versatile in the kitchen and can be used as a finishing salt to sprinkle lightly on dishes before serving. It adds a subtle mineral flavor and provides a satisfying texture and crunch due to its larger flakes. Sea salt is suitable for savory and sweet dishes, especially with delicate flavors.  It is rich in minerals and trace elements naturally present in seawater. The color of sea salt can vary depending on the minerals present, ranging from white to shades of gray or pink. Read more: These are the 10 Most Expensive Teas in the World Fleur de sel Fleur de sel, also known as the "flower of salt," is a unique and rare type of sea salt that is primarily produced in France. It is harvested through the traditional method of evaporating shallow saltwater pools. As the water evaporates, the salt crystals form on the surface without touching the pool's bottom, resulting in pristine white crystals.  The hand-harvested salt is unprocessed and free from additives. Fleur de sel is praised for its superior quality. Its delicate nature makes it ideal as a finishing salt rather than for use in soups or stews. Sprinkling a small amount of fleur de sel on dishes enhances their savory and sweet flavors. It is regarded as one of the finest and most reliable finishing salts. Himalayan pink salt Himalayan pink salt is a unique salt variety mainly harvested in Pakistan, specifically from the Khewra Salt Mine. Its name is derived from the light rosy hue resulting from a combination of minerals found within the crystals, with sodium chloride being the primary component. This salt is hand-extracted and undergoes cleaning to remove impurities without the addition of additives.  Read more: Top 10 Most Expensive Water Bottle Brands in the World Himalayan pink salt is available in a flaky form for standard cooking and as pink blocks that can be heated or frozen to maintain temperatures when serving dishes. It serves as a versatile finishing salt, adding flavor, texture, and an aesthetically-pleasing touch to savory dishes and desserts. Additionally, Himalayan salt blocks are used to create salt lamps. Sel gris Sel gris, also known as gray salt, is closely related to fleur de sel and is produced through the same process. It is obtained from evaporated seawater. During evaporation, the salt crystals in sel gris settle to the bottom of shallow pools, resulting in a light gray color.  This all-natural salt has a subtle flavor and is classified as dense and moist. It is typically used as a finishing salt due to its moderate-sized crystals, which are slightly larger than regular table salt.  Being sourced from the sea, sel gris adds a hint of mineral taste and natural salinity. When sprinkled on vegetables, meat, or fish, it can dissolve well or provide texture and crunch. Sel gris is produced in various coastal regions worldwide. Read more: Top 10 Healthy Seeds to Eat Kosher salt Kosher salt is certified and approved by a Jewish governing body, ensuring its compliance with strict dietary requirements for a traditional Jewish diet. Although the term "kosher salt" is now commonly used to refer to various unprocessed large-flaked salts, not all batches are produced following kosher law.  Most kosher and kosher-style salts are sourced from salt mines and do not contain additives or anti-caking agents. It is a natural and minimally processed salt that offers distinct features. Kosher salt's larger flakes make it visually distinguishable from table salt and are designed to efficiently draw out moisture from the meat.  It is easy to handle and dose, providing clear visibility when sprinkled on food. Kosher salt is primarily favored for cooking rather than baking. Read more: Top Traditional Bangladeshi Foods You Must Try