Sea salt, commonly used as a seasoning in cooking, is obtained by the evaporation of seawater. In the historial times, it used to be called bay salt or solar salt.
History
Since a long time, salt has been mined at the place it was available. There are possibilities that there existed salt mines, which belong to Iron Age. But the mineral salts were not available in many places, and so, the substitute coastal source has been utilized since thousands of years. The sea salt is produced by the method of evaporation of the water from sea brine. In the regions with hot and dry climate, the process is carried out solely by solar energy, but, for the other regions with different climatic conditions, many times costly fuel sources need to be used. So, in the modern times, sea salt production is mostly found in the Mediterranean and other hot and dry climates.
Sea salt has much better taste the normal table salt but the difference cannot always be identified if the salt is dissolved. The dishes in which the coarser texture of the salt can be felt, give an extraordinary mouth feel and taste different because of it rate of dissolution. The mineral content of the sea salt also gives it the distinctive taste.
Health
The health consequences in sea salt are the same as in regular salt. Iodine, which is beneficial for human beings, is present in minimal amount in sea salt. Rock salt which naturally does not contain iodine, is industrially iodized and used in treating goiter.
Uses
Culinary Uses
Sea salt is used in gourmet cooking and also filled in cruet set as a table layout in restaurants. Potato chips are often served with crushed sea salt. Sea salt also helps in bringing out the freshness in salads and greens, as it makes lettuce and other vegetables crispier.
Health Benefits
Unrefined sea salt contains the essential minerals needed by our body. It can be used in some home remedies for treating cold and respiratory infections.
The salt produced from the Dead Sea, is believed to be beneficial for skin. The application of Dead Sea salt or bathing in water consisting sea salt, helps people suffering from psoriasis and other chronic skin diseases.
Hot water bath with sea salt helps in getting relief from muscle pain. The magnesium contents from the sea salt are believed to benefit muscle tissues. Also, magnesium has anti-inflammatory characteristics, when it is used externally. Calcium present in the sea salt strengthens the bones and teeth.
Sea salt mixed with equal part of olive oil and used to gently message the face and throat, gives a refreshing facial. This also helps to remove dead, dry skin and to hydrate skin to give a younger look.
