What is the Difference Between Himalayan Pink Salt and Sea Salt

The main difference between Himalayan pink salt and sea salt is that Himalayan pink salt contains some amount of iron oxide, which gives it a pink colour.

Salt is one of the most important ingredients we use in cooking. Any food would taste bland and unappealing without salt. However, there are many varieties of salt; Himalayan pink salt, kosher salt, sea salt, table salt, etc. This article focuses on Himalayan pink salt and sea salt and the difference between them.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Himalayan Pink Salt 
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is Sea Salt
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Himalayan Pink Salt and Sea Salt
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Himalayan Pink Salt, Salt, Sea Salt

What is Himalayan Pink Salt

Himalayan pink salt is a pink-coloured salt that is extracted from the salt deposits found in the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. This is one of the largest and oldest salt deposits in the world. The pink salt in these deposits is believed to have been formed millions of years ago, from the evaporation of ancient water bodies. Moreover, salt in these deposits contains some impurities (i.e., minerals), which also help to define the native geological features of the mountains. The pink colour or the red colour of this salt is due to the presence of iron oxide. Furthermore, it is claimed that Himalayan salt is extracted by hand and undergoes minimum processing. Therefore, it yields an unrefined salt that is free of additives and is more natural than regular salt. However, like regular salt, Himalayan pink salt mostly contains sodium chloride.

There are many claims on the probable benefits of Himalayan salt, but so far there has been no science-based evidence to support these claims. Some estimate that these salts contain up to 84 different trace minerals. 

What is Sea Salt

Sea salt is salt that is produced through the evaporation of seawater. We mainly use it as a seasoning in food. Sea salt is usually white in colour and is coarse in texture. Some claim that it has a better taste and texture than table salt.

Moreover, like in table salt, the main component of sea salt is sodium chloride. The chemical composition of the salt can actually vary depending on their water source, especially in regard to the content of trace minerals and elements. These elements add colour and flavour to sea salt.

Difference Between Himalayan Pink Salt and Sea Salt

Definition

Himalayan pink salt is a pink-coloured salt that is extracted from the salt deposits found in the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan while sea salt is salt that is produced through the evaporation of seawater.

Source

Himalayan salt comes from Khewra salt mine in Pakistan while sea salt comes from the evaporation of water from the ocean or saltwater lakes.

Extraction

Moreover, Himalayan pink salt is extracted by hand while sea salt is extracted using modern methods.

Colour

While Himalayan pink salt ranges from off-white to pink to red, sea salt is usually whitish.

Mineral Content

The mineral content in Himalayan pink salt remains intact, but the mineral content in sea salt may change during purification.

Texture

Himalayan salt comes in big chunks which have to be cut and ground into different sizes, while sea salt is coarse in texture.

Conclusion

The main difference between Himalayan pink salt and sea salt is that Himalayan pink salt contains some amount of iron oxide, which gives it a pink colour. Moreover, Himalayan salt comes from Khewra salt mine in Pakistan while sea salt comes from the evaporation of water from the ocean or saltwater lakes.

Reference:

1. Gunnars, Kris. “Types of Salt: Himalayan vs Kosher vs Regular vs Sea Salt.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 Oct. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Himalayan salt of Saúde flea market, São Paulo, Brazil” By Wilfredor – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Korean sea salt” By National Institute of Korean Language (CC BY-SA 2.0 kr) via Commons Wikimedia

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