Uses and Availability

• This salt has traditionally been used by Hawaiians to cleanse and purify tools, homes and places of worship. It is still used today in many Hawaiian dishes, such as roasted pork butt. Because the salt is often harvested by hand, it can be quite costly and difficult to find outside of the Hawaiian islands. If you cannot find Hawaiian salt you can use any large-grained variety as an alternative.

Sea Salt

• Although there are a few different types of sea salt, all varieties are obtained through the evaporation of sea water. The natural mineral content of sea water is retained in the salt and gives it a unique taste. French grey salt (also called gray salt, sel marin or sel gris) is a popular variety. It is harvested from the Guérande coastal area of France and is light gray to lavender as a result of the presence of clay in the sand there. Unlike regular sea salt, which is available at most grocery stores and supermarkets, fancier types such as the gray variety, may only be available at gourmet stores.

Kosher Salt

• Kosher salt is an iodine-free, course-grained salt that gets its name from the fact it is used in the Koshering process of meat. It is also favored by many chefs who prefer the large grain size and its characteristic flaked texture because it helps the salt dissolve faster and adhere better to foods. Kosher salt is readily available in grocery stores and supermarkets.