Skip to content

salt

CondimentsYear-round

Salt provides essential sodium and chloride minerals critical for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and electrolyte balance, though dietary moderation is recommended due to health associations with excessive sodium intake.

About

Salt is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), essential for human physiological function and one of the oldest food preservation and flavoring agents known to civilization. Extracted through evaporation of seawater, mineral deposits, or underground salt mines, salt exists in multiple crystalline forms ranging from fine powder to large mineral nuggets. The main types include sea salt, rock salt (halite), kosher salt, and specialty salts such as Himalayan pink salt and fleur de sel, each with distinct grain sizes, mineral compositions, and textural properties that influence their culinary applications.

Culinary Uses

Salt serves as the primary flavor enhancer and seasoning across virtually all culinary traditions, enhancing natural flavors, suppressing bitterness, and balancing sweetness. Beyond its seasoning role, salt functions as a critical preservative through curing, brining, and dry-salting techniques in charcuterie, seafood preservation, and fermented foods. In baking and cooking, salt regulates gluten development, controls fermentation rates, and aids texture formation in breads, pastas, and cured meats. Different salt varieties—coarse kosher salt for finishing, fleur de sel for delicate garnish, and fine sea salt for baking—provide textural variation and mineral complexity to refined preparations.

Used In

Recipes Using salt (6,202)

RCI-SC.003.0070.001

French Dressing for Passover

French Dressing for Passover from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0071.001

French Dressing I

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.

RCI-SN.002.0143.001

French-fried Onion Rings

French-fried Onion Rings from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0070.001

French-fried Potatoes

French-fried Potatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0175.001

French Guacamole

To find a Frenchman, look for the freshly baked baguette tucked under his arm. Few Parisians manage to make it home without breaking off a chunk and enjoying the warm, yeasty goodness.

RCI-SN.001.0176.001

French Kiss Guacamole

Made with California avocados and dry vermouth, it is considered the most "romantic" of the guacamoles.

RCI-BR.002.0038.001

French Onion Pizza

.

RCI-SP.001.0044.001

French Onion Soup II

Very delicious soup. Enjoy with a piece of toast.

RCI-SP.004.0142.001

French Oven Stew

French Oven Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0098.001

French Rolls

French Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0118.001

French-style Barbecue Sauce

Date and source unknown. Tried and true and I give it 3 thumbs up.

RCI-VG.001.0233.001

French-style Lettuce Salad

French-style Lettuce Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0026.001

French Toast

French Toast is a common breakfast item made by frying a piece of bread soaked in an egg batter. French toast was developed as a way to use day-old stale bread.

RCI-BR.008.0069.001

French Toast I

In Romanian: Friganele

RCI-EG.004.0046.001

French Vinaigrette with Hard-boiled Eggs

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager Estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.

RCI-BR.004.0227.001

Fresh banana cake

Fresh banana cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0120.001

Fresh Banana Rhubarb Pie

Fresh Banana Rhubarb Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0073.001

Fresh Basil Salad Dressing

Fresh Basil Salad Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0144.001

Fresh Corn and Okra Fritters

Fresh Corn and Okra Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0196.001

Fresh corn muffins

Fresh corn muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0197.001

Fresh Corn Muffins

Fresh Corn Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0101.001

Fresh Fish in Coconut Cream

Fresh Fish in Coconut Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0506.001

Fresh Green Beans and Basil

Fresh Green Beans and Basil from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0198.001

Fresh Jalapeno Cornbread

Purchased from the Taylor Estate in Mineral Wells, Texas in 1984. Dated 1951.

RCI-VG.004.0507.001

Fresh Lentil Soup

Fresh Lentil Soup from the Recidemia collection

Fresh Lumpia
RCI-SN.005.0025.001

Fresh Lumpia

This is a traditional Filipino dish. Lumpiang Sariwa, or Fresh Springrolls, are folded into a soft, crepe-like wrapper made with eggs.

RCI-SC.005.0050.001

Fresh Northwest Cherry Salsa

Fruit of the Month: Cherry by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.006.0123.001

Fresh Orange Tart with Hazelnut Crust

Fresh Orange Tart with Hazelnut Crust from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0241.001

Fresh Peach Torte

A bit of work but very well worth it. - This makes a great finale dessert to any special summertime meal.

RCI-BR.006.0125.001

Fresh Rhubarb Pie

Fresh Rhubarb Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0199.001

Fresh Sage Cornbread

.

RCI-VG.001.0236.001

Fresh Spinach and Rice Salad Bowl

Fresh Spinach and Rice Salad Bowl from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0238.001

Fresh Spinach Salad with Grapefruit and Pecans

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Legmen Estate in Jacksonville, Texas in 1991.

RCI-SF.001.0154.001

Fresh Steamed Fish

In Africa, this dish is made with a whole fish, with or without the head. This recipe works well with red snapper or orange roughy. Serves 4 to 6.

RCI-BR.006.0126.001

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Makes 6 to 8 servings

RCI-BR.006.0128.001

Fresh Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

Fresh Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0052.001

Fresh tomatillo salsa

Fresh tomatillo salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0039.001

Fresh Tomato, Beef and Bow Tie Pasta

This is such and easy recipe and tastes so good. I served with a green salad and garlic toast. I received this recipe from another group and it was posted by jenntinysam.

RCI-SC.003.0075.001

Fresh Tomato-Ginger Vinaigrette

Makes 16 x 1-Tablespoon servings.

RCI-SC.005.0053.001

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Fresh Tomato Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0274.001

Fresh Tomato Zucchini Soup

Puréed tomatoes and sauteed zucchini are stewed together into a delicious summertime soup!

RCI-SP.004.0146.001

Fricassee of Lamb

A succulent dish to serve with parslied boiled potatoes. For garlic lovers, add lots of garlic.

RCI-MT.001.0111.001

Friday Night Pot Roast

Friday Night Pot Roast from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0200.001

Fried bake

Fried bake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0039.001

Fried Bake

Fried Bake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0511.001

Fried Beans

Fried Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0512.001

Fried Bitter Gourd Salad

* Serves 4

RCI-SF.001.0156.001

Fried Black Bream

Fried Black Bream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0513.001

Fried Breadfruit

RCI-SN.002.0145.001

Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup

The balsamic vinegar is cooked and reduced to a syrup consistency then drizzled over the calamari, which gives this Cajun calamari and zing!