Are you curious about the difference between Hawaiian Salt and Himalayan Salt? As both types of salts have been gaining popularity in recent times, but what sets them apart? Many questions have been raised about these two salts, and you might also need clarification about which one you should go for. So, whether you’re a foodie or just looking to make healthier choices, read on to discover the differences, uses, and benefits of Hawaiian Vs. Himalayan salt.
What Is Hawaiian Salt?
Hawaiian Salt is a traditional and unrefined type of salt that originated from Hawaii. It is mixed with a red volcanic clay called Alaea and gives the salt its characteristic brick-red color. This salt is rich in minerals that include iron oxide and has a slightly earthy clay smell. Hawaiian salt is also popular among foodies and chefs for its unique flavor and color.
What is Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt that comes from the Khwera Salt Mines in the Punjab region of northern Pakistan, near the Salt Range Mountains. Experts say that this Himalayan salt is 250 million years old and is full of essential trace minerals like magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium. People in the subcontinent use Himalayan pink salt to season food and make baked goods, salads, and other foods look more attractive.
Hawaiian Salt Vs. Himalayan Salt
As you are now aware of what these both salts are, Now let’s move further to find out more about these unique salts;
The Origin Stories
The island of Hawaii is where the red Hawaiian salt comes from. The mixture is a combination of sea salt from Kona, Hawaii, and Red Alaea volcanic clay from Kauai, an old island in the Hawaiian chain.
About 250 million years ago, Himalayan salt began to form. It is a mineral salt that grows naturally in the Himalayan Mountains and has been called a gift from nature. Lava is used to cover the old sea beds in these mountains, where this salt is mined. Because of this, many experts think that Himalayan pink rock salt is the cleanest salt on the planet.
Aesthetics And Taste
Hawaiian Alaean Salt has a unique earthy flavor and a brick-red color that makes it stand out in any dish. It is often used as a finishing salt to add a pop of color and flavor to dishes.
On the other hand, Himalayan rock salt has a milder flavor and a pinkish tint that makes it a popular choice for decorative purposes.
Culinary Uses And Pairings
Hawaiian Red Salt is a versatile salt that can be used in a variety of dishes, including traditional Hawaiian dishes like; kalua pig, poke, and others. It is also popular among foodies and chefs for its unique flavor and color.
Himalayan salt is often used as a substitute for refined table salt as a food additive. In addition to its use in cooking and presentation of food, salt lamps, and spa treatments, it is also used in decorative salt lamps.
Mineral Content
Hawaiian Alean Salt is rich in sodium chloride and magnesium chloride and has trace minerals and metals depending on the nature of the water from where it is obtained. It contains clay which gives it a distinctive color and earthy flavor. Traditionally, Hawaiians used this salt for seasoning and preserving their food.
While Himalayan salt is richer in minerals than Hawaiian Red Salt, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron, it is lower in sodium than table salt per teaspoon, but this is only because Himalayan pink salt often comes in larger crystals.
Different Uses Of Hawaiian Salt And Himalayan Salt
Hawaiian sea salt and Himalayan salt are both versatile culinary salts that can be used for more than just seasoning foods. Here are some of the different uses of each salt;
Uses Of Hawaiian sea salt
- Hawaiian sea salt is often used in traditional Hawaiian dishes such as; kalua pig, poke, and pipikaula.
- It can be used as a finishing salt to add a pop of color and flavor to dishes.
- It is used to prepare food, especially fish.
- It can be used in stews, eggs, salads, and desserts.
- It can be used as a natural food coloring agent.
Uses Of Himalayan Salt
- It can be used as a food additive to replace refined table salt.
- It is used for cooking and food presentation, such as in cooking salt blocks or garnishing.
- Himalayan salt is used in decorative himalayan salt lamps and air purifiers.
- It can be used as a natural remedy for respiratory issues and skin conditions.
- It can be used to make DIY electrolyte drinks.
Summary
Hawaiian salt and Himalayan salt are both types of gourmet salts that are known for their distinct flavors and unique mineral compositions.
Benefits Of Hawaiian Salt And Himalayan Salt
Hawaiian sea salt and Himalayan salt are rich in essential trace minerals that can help improve overall health.
Let’s explore the benefits of these salts;
Hawaiian Red Alaea Sea Salt Benefits
- Rich in sodium chloride and magnesium chloride.
- Depending on the type of water, it contains trace minerals and metals.
- It contains clay which gives an earthy flavor and color.
- The native Hawaiians use it to season and preserve their food.
Himalayan Salt Benefits
- Himalayan salt is rich in sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- It contains over 80+ trace minerals than Hawaiian red salt
- It can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve respiratory health.
- It can improve digestion and make you sleep better.
- It can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve bone health.
Conclusion
As you now know, Hawaiian salt and Himalayan salt have unique differences, benefits, and uses. These culinary gems offer unique flavors and qualities that tantalize the taste buds and elevate any dish to new heights.