Question: What is Sea Salt?
I've seen sea salt before as an ingredient in some recipes. Can you tell me what sea salt is and how it differs from table salt?
Answer: Great question! Sea salt is a salt that actually does originate from the sea. It is obtained through the evaporation of seawater, compared to table salt which is mined. During evaporation of seawater, some trace minerals are left behind which contribute to the less "salty" flavor of sea salt. During processing, additives, such as anti-caking agents, are added to table salt, whereas no additives at all are added to sea salt. Flavor is the main difference between sea salt and table salt, and although it may seem so, there is no nutritional difference in the two.
On an additional note, you may also see sea salt as an ingredient in cosmetics. Sea salt is often used in bath salts, and in facial and body scrubs.
