Table salt, rock salt, edible salt, is a food product that is added to a variety of dishes. It represents crushed crystals, the color of which is white.
In nature, it is impossible to find table salt in its pure form, because it always contains impurities of other mineral salts, which give it a variety of color shades. Most often it is gray.
Types of Salt
Today there are many types of salt. Among them there are, one might say, classic and exotic. The first ones have long been included in our diet. They have long been used in cooking to this day:
Rock salt is ordinary salt without any special impurities.
Iodized salt is sodium chlorine, which is artificially enriched with iodine, it is very popular in regions where people suffer from iodine deficiency.
Fluorinated salt – enriched with fluoride is useful for teeth.
Dietary salt is characterized by a reduced sodium content, which is why it has a slightly different taste.
Exotic types of salt are used in different cuisines of the world, among them volcanic Indian salt, Himalayan pink, French smoked and many others. Such products differ in shades and the presence of specific flavors.
Useful Properties
Salt is not produced by the body on its own, but is very important in metabolic processes. Chlorine is needed for the synthesis of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, as well as other substances that are responsible for the breakdown of fat. And sodium ensures the correct functioning of the muscles and nervous system, it affects the condition of bones and the absorption of nutrients by the large intestine.
Salt participates in metabolic processes at the cellular level, thanks to it, tissues receive the necessary amount of elements. The sodium-potassium compound is responsible for the penetration of amino acids and glucose through the cell membrane.
In addition, edible salt has excellent antibacterial properties. It is an effective defender against harmful bacteria.
Another useful property of sodium chloride is that it enhances the taste of foods, contributing to an increase in the pleasure of their consumption and appetite.
The Use of Table Salt
The product is widely used in various fields. One of the most popular fields of application is cooking. Here salt is an important component of almost all dishes. It is part of meat and vegetable dishes, main dishes and desserts.
In addition, it is used to preserve products, both to give a special taste, and to preserve them until the next harvest. Sodium chloride kills bacteria, so that salted food remains suitable for consumption for a long time.
Harm and Contraindications
Abuse of food salt can lead to unpleasant consequences. Excess sodium chlorine contributes to increased blood pressure, the development of kidney and cardiovascular diseases. It leads to headaches, swelling, and in addition, to the malfunction of the nervous system.
You need to understand that salt itself is not toxic, but with it, as with any other substance, you should not overdo it.
Try to maintain a balance and do not consume salt less or more than the daily norm.
My family loves stuffed peppers. Therefore, in the season I try to cook it more often, varying the filling. If suddenly there is no minced meat or mushrooms, and the vegetable filling seems empty, I add a jar of stew. This filling is ready, so I steamed the peppers and serve them without sauce with cheese. It turns out unusual, tender, delicious and satisfying. Try it on occasion.
Stuffed peppers I can eat every day… Why I know a lot of recipes for cooking stuffed peppers. But this is probably the most favorite. This pepper was always cooked by my grandmother. She cooked it exclusively in the oven and called it “sweet” for the delicate creamy and slightly sweet taste of the gravy. I cook this dish in the oven. Like my grandmother, of course not, but still sooo delicious!
This dish is prepared with the delayed cooking function. In the evening I cook broth, in the morning the peas themselves are cooked, and for dinner I cook mashed potatoes. Everyone knows the beneficial properties of peas. Pea puree is not only healthy, but also very tasty. It can be served as a side dish, or cooked in meat broth as an independent dish. Peas cooked in a slow cooker turn out to be much tastier than in a regular saucepan.
Kiwi salad is a very light, refreshing and original dish made from fresh and juicy vegetables and fragrant cheese. It is very well suited to both the festive table and everyday thanks to the simplicity and speed of cooking. Kiwi in this salad demonstrates its ability to combine well with other products. Meat or fish can be served with the salad.
I suggest cooking a delicious noodle soup. This soup requires a minimal set of products, but always a great result! The soup can be cooked both on broth (chicken or beef) and on water, then you will get an excellent lean soup.
A dish for lunch or dinner. I like that the meat is baked in the oven in about the same way as on the grill (do not add any oil or fat). I think it’s better than frying in a frying pan with fat.
Beetroot fish with pea puree and onion jam. A holiday is always a game of colors! Surprise your guests or loved ones on a special day with such a bright dish! All components not only look beautiful, but also perfectly match to taste! I decided to show three recipes (techniques) in one dish, I hope you like it)
Quite simple to prepare and at the same time having a wide color and taste palette – this dish can be classified as dishes for “special occasions” and festive events. The combination of pea puree, cream and mint was a pleasant discovery for me!