It’s okay if you have bought the Himalayan salt block after getting impressed by its beauty and benefits, but don’t know how to clean it. Because we are going to guide you on how to clean and store your salt block properly. So, get ready to impress your guests!
For those who do not know much about these amazing blocks, let’s take a quick look at these blocks for cooking.
What Is Himalayan Salt Block?
A salt block is a slab or tile of Himalayan Pink Salt that originated from the salt mines in Pakistan. This salt is considered to be free from pollutants because it remained locked under ancient volcanic deposits. It is replacing the table sea salt in daily cooking due to its low sodium content.
The color of the cooking salt block ranges from coral pink to light red. The height and width of a salt block may vary according to specific cooking needs.
Salt blocks are nonporous that protects the food from getting absorbed into it. A Himalayan salt slab is full of minerals that not only add flavor to your dish but also make it beneficial for health.
Cooking On A Himalayan Salt Block
In the cooking world, chefs are always looking for new ideas for cooking and plating foods. A pink salt plate is multipurpose, you can use it for presenting, cooking, and grilling food. When using Himalayan salt block for cooking, you just need the block to be super-hot (around 400-500 degrees). When you are presenting, it can be like a charcuterie board but brings its own flavors.
Do you know you can enrich the flavor of your meat on a Himalayan salt block? All you have to do is refrigerate the salt block for a couple of hours. Put thinly sliced meat, bacon, tuna and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Remember to season your food lightly when cooking on a salt block as the salt crystals from the block will penetrate your food, giving it richness.
Summary
Himalayan salt cooking blocks are the latest trend in the food industry. These blocks are versatile in function and can be used for cooking, grilling, and presenting various foods.
Cleaning A Himalayan Salt Block
Using an organic utensil comes with its drawbacks. Chunky bits from the food will stick to it. Smoke will create a temporary charred surface. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds. You have to keep a few things in mind while handling the salt block.
Remember The Cooking Surface
Keep the top and bottom in mind, you don’t have to use both sides for cooking.
Allow It To Cool First
When we say let it cool, it means bringing it down to room temperature. Unless you want a trip to the emergency room, we suggest you wait before you start cleaning it.
Avoid Water Like Plague, Literally
Water is the main component in any kind of cleaning. It is not the case here since you can’t sink it in water. We’re talking about cleaning salt here so be careful.
No Dishwashing Soap/Liquid
The pink Himalayan salt cooking plate is antimicrobial and antibacterial. You do not need any chemicals to clean in the form of soap or dishwashing liquid. The rock salt block can retain things, you never know you might taste soap next time you cook.
A Dishwasher Isn’t A Friend Here
Someone did an experiment, suffered consequences, and ended up with a salty dishwasher. Salt will dissolve immediately, even if you run a swift cycle.
What Will Clean The Salt Block?
We forbade using almost everything in the cleaning playbook, didn’t we? Calm down, there’s a lot you can do by following the given 6 easy steps:
1. As we said, bring it to room temperature that will take about 2-4 hours.
2. Take a sponge, dip it in water and wring it.
3. After you squeeze the water out, you have a nice little moistened sponge.
4. Scrub away the food particles stuck on the surface of the block. You can also use a cleaning brush with soft bristles if the gunk is stubborn.
5. After that, simply rinse it under running water.
6. Allow it to completely dry out before storing. You can air dry this even under a ceiling fan.
Summary
You just need to keep a few things in mind when cleaning a salt block. Say no to the dishwasher and dishwashing soap. Use a soft sponge and cleaning brush with soft bristles to remove the gunk and rinse with running tap water.
How To Store Himalayan Salt Block?
If you want your Himalayan rock salt block to last long then store it properly. Follow the steps given below and keep your salt block safe for a long period.
Drying
We emphasize drying of the pink salt block; the reason is that the block’s crystalline structure. Even if you clean with minimal water, some of it will seep through the cracks and fissures, causing breakage.
Swaddle It Up
After the salt block is completely dry, wrap it in a towel. You can also use paper towels or plastic wrap. Place it in a zip lock bag and keep it in a cool dry place. To prevent moisture pooling, store it in a cupboard, especially if you live in a humid region.
More Tips For Your Convenience
Drying it, storing it in a cool place and out of reach of children is the first thing. The salt block can absorb the moisture in the air, which shortens its lifespan. Moisture can compromise its structure too, allowing the cracks to build over time. Cracks and fissures will later cause chunks to fall off.
You can use those chunks of salt for seasoning your meals using a grater. Top it over your salads. Throw it in a tub and have a bath, so many options, right?
A Himalayan salt cooking plate covered in oil is a challenge to clean. If you love cooking with oil, try coating your food in oil instead of the salt block. It will not only make cleaning a breeze but also prolong the life of your block.
Summary
After cleaning, completely dry the Himalayan salt cooking block and wrap it in a paper towel or zip lock bag. Store in a cool and dry place.