A Well-Seasoned Life with Salt

Sprinkle some balance on the usage of salt.

16 Jul 2024

3min

Discover the crucial role of salt in nerve impulse conduction, maintaining water and mineral balance, and aiding muscle contraction and relaxation. Learn the recommended daily sodium intake and various types of salt - from Himalayan pink salt and sea salt to bamboo salt, rock salt, and iodized salt - each boasting unique flavors and uses in cooking. Let's season our knowledge together!

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Let’s face it—salt adds flavor to life. In fact, much of what we eat would be quite bland without it. Salt is a key ingredient to a lot of our favorite dishes and often also helps preserve food. But beyond the flavor that salt provides, there is so much more that it can give you.

The Finer Details of Salt

Did you know that you need at least 500 mg of sodium daily? That’s the equivalent of a little less than one-fourth of a teaspoon! Your body requires a small amount of sodium to conduct nerve impulses, maintain the proper balance of water and minerals, and even to be able to contract and relax your muscles.

Sodium also keeps you hydrated by maintaining healthy hydration levels and electrolyte balance—both of which are important for your body to function well. The cells, muscles, and tissues in your body need water, and salt can help your body maintain the right amount of fluid.

While salt is good for you, remember that balance is still key. Make sure to keep your salt consumption under 5 grams per day. How do you do this? Preparing your own food is a good start, as you can have total control over the amount of salt that you use. When it comes to snacks like chips or crackers, always check the labels.

Plenty of Salt in the Sea

Or in the mines and forests, really. We're spoiled for choice, with countless options of salt from all over the world. Here are some salts you can try out:

Himalayan pink salt

While it's not actually extracted from the Himalayas but from Pakistan, Himalayan salt is known for having a pink color, which means it has a slightly higher mineral content compared to regular table salt. This is a type of specialty salt, which is harvested from salt mines and may potentially have other ingredients added to them. Other types of specialty salts include red, black, and smoked.

Sea salt

Sea salt, or "asin-dagat," is harvested from evaporated seawater. It is available in different textures, such as fine or coarse, and is used in various Filipino dishes, including grilled seafood, adobo, and sinigang.

Bamboo salt

Originating from Asia, and called “budbud” in Iloilo, bamboo salt involves placing sea salt into bamboo tubes and roasting those tubes multiple times at high temperatures, resulting in a distinct color. Harvesters in Iloilo have also introduced innovations, such as adding lemongrass flavor to the salt.

Rock salt

We know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t rock salt the same as course sea salt?” The short answer is “no”. The long answer is that although they both come from the sea, rock salt is harvested from already formed salt rocks as opposed to evaporated seawater—resulting in a less briny taste and a coarser texture.

Because of this, rock salt is perfect for preserving and curing meats, making salted eggs, or for pickling vegetables.

Iodized salt

This is regular table salt that has been fortified with iodine, an essential mineral for thyroid function. It is commonly used in Filipino households to ensure adequate intake of iodine.

These are just a few examples of the salts commonly used in Filipino cuisine. Each type of salt brings its own unique flavor and texture to dishes, allowing you to create delicious and well-seasoned meals. Just make sure to stay within the recommended daily salt intake levels to stay healthy, hydrated, and agile!

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