Indian black salt, also called Kala Namak or Sanchal, is a type of Indian volcanic rock salt that is commonly found in dishes in India, Pakistan and other Asian countries. The “black” salt is actually pinkish-gray due to the presence of iron and other minerals. Indian black salt has a very distinct sulfur smell that is often compared to hard-boiled egg yolk. Its health benefits are numerous according to Ayurvedic medicine, but the claims are largely anecdotal as no scientific research has been conducted on Indian black salt. Consult a naturopath or Ayurvedic practitioner about the possible health benefits of black salt.
Indian black salt is known by many names includingHimalayan black salt, Sulemani Namak and Kala Loon. The original sodium chloride is heated to extremely high temperatures and mixed with Indian spices and herbs, including the seeds of the Harad fruit, which contains sulfur. It contains traces of sulfates, sulfides, iron and magnesium, all of which contribute to the color, smell and taste of the salt.
Indian black salt has been used as a spice in Asian countries around the Himalayan Mountains for many centuries. It was originally extracted from either natural mines in northern India and Pakistan or the surrounding salt lakes of Sambhar or Didwana. Traditionally, the ingredient was processed with heat, charcoal, and plant material, resulting in a dark crystal rich in sulfide. The traditionally produced salt is also rich in iron and many other minerals. Modern manufacturing processes can produce the ingredient synthetically, which is similar to the traditional form but with less mineral content.
Types of Black Salt
There are basically three types of black salt: ritual salt, lava salt and Indian salt. Ritual salt, also known as witch salt, is not meant to be eaten. While kosher salt is used in cleaning, locals use black salt to drive away evil and negative energy from their homes. Ritual salt is made by scraping charred herbs, ash, and iron from the bottom of the cauldron mixed with salt.
Lava salt is black in color, but is simply sea salt mixed with activated charcoal. It has an earthy flavor and usually comes from Hawaii or Cyprus. You can also find the name black Hawaiian salt. It is usually used for seasoning at the end of cooking.
composition
Indian black salt consists mainly of sodium chloride, which is the main ingredient in table salt. Other ingredients include sulfates, sulfides, iron and magnesium. The sodium chloride provides the salty taste and the iron sulfide gives its pinkish color while the hydrogen sulfide provides its characteristic smell. The latter is also one of the causes of the smell of rotten eggs.
Use Kala Namak healthily
The salt, which is already known and used worldwide, is considered a cooling spice in the Ayurvedic diet. Alternative practitioners recommend it for many health problems such as constipation, indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, goiter, poor eyesight and even psychosis. Black salt is also recommended for people who are low in salt due to high blood pressure. This is because the sodium content is lower compared to regular table salt.
Of course, the composition of the ingredient varies quite a bit. This mainly depends on whether the final state is achieved using traditional or modern techniques. Synthetically produced black salt has a sodium content that is very close to regular table salt.
Cooking benefits
Indian black salt is used extensively in Indian food, including chutneys, yogurts, salads and all types of fruit salads. Vegans like it because the black salt mimics the taste of eggs in tofu and other vegetarian dishes. During the hot summer months, you can also flavor your cool drink with it, which is a handy way to replace sodium lost through excessive sweating.
Indian black salt also has a distinctive taste due to the sulfur. The taste has been described as comparable to hard-boiled egg yolk. It has a savory flavor and is often used in egg-free dishes to give them that flavor. You can use the spice like nutritional yeast and sprinkle it on popcorn or kale chips for a unique, flavorful experience.
Now that you know a lot about the product, it might be time to try some for yourself. If you can't find it in your local store, you can also buy or order kala namak online. Once you see, smell and taste the difference it makes in your recipes, black salt will surely be a part of your cooking.
