Coarse Salt Versus Table Salt

Some recipes call for coarse salt, while others may call for your average, run of the mill table salt. What is the difference and can you substitute one for the other?

Coarse salt, sometimes called kosher salt (incorrectly, however), is a type of salt that is formed into large crystals or granules. It is often used to salt meat, as an ingredient in brines, and also in regular recipes, like soups and sauces.

Table salt is much more commonly used than coarse salt. Its fine granules can be found in a myriad of recipes, from cookies to couscous. It is supplemented with iodine for nutritional purposes and is scientifically known as sodium chloride.