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Sea Salt Vs. Rock Salt

Aastha Dogra
Sea salt vs. rock salt. Which of these is healthier? Let's know the differences between these two salts in this write-up.
Salt, which is rich in iodine and many essential nutrients, like magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium and potassium, is an important part of our diet. Salt lends flavor to the dishes that we eat and so, makes them tastier and healthier.
At the same time, excess of salt in the diet, can lead to many health conditions and diseases, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and kidney disease, to name a few. Eating salt in moderation is important for good health and hence, salt should be a part of your diet.
These days, there are various varieties of salts available, such as, sea salt, rock salt, pond salt and the regular ionized salt. Each of these salts have numerous uses and benefits, besides being used in cooking.

Difference Between Sea Salt and Rock Salt

One thing that is common between sea salt and rock salt is that both these salts are natural. Now, let's start with knowing the differences between these two.
Rock salt is derived from sodium chloride. It is the mineral form of this compound, which we commonly refer to as table salt. Rock salt occurs in crystalline form and is basically gray in color. Although, there are rock salts available in other colors as well, depending upon the amount of impurities present in them.
Sea salt, on the other hand, is created from sea water. It is white in color and much better in quality as compared to rock salt. Sea salt, which is created by evaporating sea water, is a healthier option, as compared to rock salt, since it contains iron, sulfur, magnesium and many other minerals as well.
Although, the content of iodine in sea salt is very low, yet it has iodine in the most natural form. Rock salt, which lacks iodine originally, is iodized industrially, so that its iodine content can increase. That's why, it proves to be very useful for people who suffer from iodine deficiencies.
Rock salts are mainly used in cooking. They can be used to add a certain flavor to a dish or to preserve various kinds of meats. Unlike sea salts, they have their own distinctive flavor and hence are used only in moderation, while cooking.
A very unique use of rock salt is in making salt-crusted dishes. For such dishes, food is first of all, enclosed in a salt crust. This keeps the moisture intact. After this, the dish is baked and served to eat. Before eating, the salt crust is removed and the baked food, with a lingering flavor of rock salt is consumed.
Another common use is that it is used to melt ice on the roads.For this, chemicals are added and then this entire process is carried out. Lamps are also made out of rock salts, which help in purifying the air. Lastly, rock salts are used in the manufacturing of ice cream. They aid in keeping it frozen and prevent it from melting.
Sea salts, on the other hand, are basically used in beauty treatments. Be it rejuvenating facials or relaxing pedicures, sea salts are used in numerous beauty treatments as they enhance the look and feel of the skin. They contribute a lot towards reducing skin inflammations as well.
Sometimes, sea salt can be added to dishes while cooking, in place of the regular salt that we use. As it has a mild flavor, it can replace the regular salt in almost every dish. One very important use of sea salt is that it can clear mucus from the body and thus, help in relieving many respiratory problems like asthma and sinus.
As can be seen, although both rock salt and sea salt are used in cooking, yet they can be differentiated on the basis of their other uses. Rock salt is more versatile in the sense that it can be used in food creation, food preparation and maintaining the roads.
While sea salt is mainly used in beauty treatments and cooking. Nevertheless, both these salts have become an important part of our daily living and hence both are invaluable.