Salt has long been perceived as the villain of the dinner table, with doctors suggesting a low-salt diet in the promotion of good general health. However, in recent years, unrefined salt has entered on to the culinary scene in a big way. With some suggesting that unrefined salt is the “healthy” option, what’s the big difference? We break down some of the main differences between refined and unrefined salt.
What’s the difference?
HARVESTING
Refined
Essentially, the term refined refers to the processes that the salt is subjected to once harvested. Once mined, the salt is put through a process involving cleaning and stripping the salt of its naturally occurring mineral properties.
Unrefined
Unlike refined salt, unrefined is not cleaned during the harvesting process. As a result, this salt retains its mineral-rich properties. These elements reflect the origins of the salt with the flavour varying depending on where the salt has been harvested.
ADDITIVES
Refined
Salt that has been refined is often combined with an anti-caking agent, ensuring that the salt does not clump together or react with moisture in the air. This additives ensures that the salt pours smoothly. Iodine is also a common additive within refined salt. In many countries, iodine is a compulsory additive in table salt as it is linked to preventing thyroid problems.
Unrefined
Nope, nothing to see here. Nothing is added to unrefined salt.
APPEARANCE
Refined
In order to achieve its brilliant shade of white, refined salt is actually bleached during the cleaning process. Naturally, salt is a whole array of colours, namely grey or pink.
Unrefined
On the other hand, unrefined salt can be found to be a whole kaleidoscope of colours. Pink Himalayan, Red Alaea, Black Lava, Persian Blue and French Grey salt, to name but a few. The colour of the salt depends upon where it has been harvested and its natural environment.
TEXTURE
Refined
In terms of texture, refined salt is often very smooth and fine due to the anti-caking agents it is combined with. However, not all refined salt is fine grade as some coarse salts are also refined.
Unrefined
Unrefined salt tends to be coarse in texture, being packaged in its original crystallised form. However, some unrefined salt is ground into more of a fine grade, for example, Pink Himalayan salt can be found both coarse and fine. Some unrefined salts naturally form into very unusual shapes. African pearl salt forms in rounded beads due to the tide, whilst Cyprus Pyramid salt develops into a unique pyramid shape due to the process of solar evaporation.
How can I tell the difference?
Price
Refined salt is often cheaper whereas due to the laborious way that unrefined salt is harvested, the cost is higher.
Colour
As mentioned above, refined salt is usually bleached of its colour and therefore white. If you see salt with a hint of colour, it is usually unrefined.
Packaging
Be aware that sea salt and rock salt can both be refined and unrefined so double-check the packaging. If the ingredients list includes an anti-caking agent, this salt is refined.
Is unrefined salt healthier?
Due to the traces of mineral properties that can be found in unrefined salt, it is often considered to be healthier and more beneficial in terms of nutrition. In addition, unrefined salt hasn’t undergone the same cleaning processes that refined salt has, whereby the salt is exposed to various chemicals. However, despite the positive aspects of unrefined salt, it is important to remember that it is still rich in sodium. So, even though there may be extra mineral-rich benefits to choosing unrefined salt, it should still be used to season in moderation to work as part of a healthy diet.
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