Himalayan salt is a darkish grey salt that is produced in the foothills of the Himalayas in Asia. Himalayan salt is mined in the Kashmir area of Pakistan. The pinkish salt most commonly has a pale pinkish hue due to mineral impurities.
It is used as a cooking and cosmetic ingredient as table salt, as an alternative to regular table salt and in spa treatments, kitchen tools and utensils, and decorative lamps. It is also used for home decorating and home-building projects, as of kitchen countertop stone, and a substitute for rock salt for cooking purposes.
When you see pink salt, chances are you will associate it with Asian cuisine or luxury products. This is not surprising since it is made of the finest natural ingredients. Himalayan sea salt is a product of nature's bounty that has been transformed into something of beauty by man's scientific and culinary knowledge. The pink salt of Kashmir is harvested from the same high peaks where glaciers once stood.
Although pink salt has been used for years as a cooking ingredient in India and other parts of Asia, it was only after the advent of western civilization that this pink rock became popular in North America. The name was given by the famous cookery author, Audrey Hepburn in her 1974 book, A Cook's Book. The word came from "his Himalayan salt," and was later used in the recipe section of her cookbook.
Salt that has been processed into a colorless, transparent crystal is called Himalayan crystal salt. Its crystals are the highest quality and are typically made from clay or carbonate rock minerals such as basalt, calcite, and pyroxene. As mentioned earlier, these minerals have been transformed into an exquisite, translucent white salt crystal by man's laboratory. Because of the purity of this rock, it is not possible to obtain other colors of Himalayan salt because the process used to transform them is too expensive and time-consuming.
Since Himalayan pink salt was introduced to the west, it has become a highly desired ingredient in many food preparations. Because it is so versatile, it is often added to cooking and baking recipes. and can be used for salt substitutes, as well as in spa treatments, and on wedding tableware and table decorations.
Pink Himalayan salt has an exceptional softening and deodorizing effect. This is due to the presence of sodium chloride, which makes the skin softer and less irritated.
If you're looking for a natural alternative to table salt, the pink Himalayan rock salt of Kashmir is one of the best options available. It is a true wonder mineral for many kitchens and you'll be delighted with the results.
As with any mineral or organic product, pink Himalayan salt is subject to deterioration due to the actions of moisture, air, and heat. As long as you keep your pink Himalayan crystal salt in a cool, dry place away from moisture, it should last a lifetime.
The natural pink Himalayan salt of Kashmir is made available in a variety of natural colors, including red, pink, orange, and black. Although the red color is usually preferred because it's the closest natural color match, the black variety is also very popular. There are no impurities present in the black variety, making it a popular choice for those with sensitive skin. Because of its non-toxic properties, the black variety can be used safely on all types of skin.
The pink variety of Himalayan rock salt is available in most stores in a plastic bottle. Many people choose to use it as a garnish for their dishes and cookbooks. Since the pink salt has no added flavor, it is very versatile.
You can buy pink Himalayan salt in various forms. It can be added to cooking sauces or mixed with other ingredients as a flavoring agent. It is also great as a marine topping, an accompaniment to fruit juices, or as a garnish on dishes such as chicken or fish. To save money, you can purchase a small quantity of pink Himalayan rock salt and store it in a small bottle and then add it to a pot of boiling water.