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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-VG.005.0154.001

Pickled Mushrooms

Pickled Mushrooms from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0155.001

Pickled Mushrooms II

Commercial pickled mushrooms

RCI-VG.005.0157.001

Pickled Okra

Makes about 2 pints.

RCI-VG.005.0159.001

Pickled Peppers

For abundant supply of bell peppers. My Aunt Maggie made these every summer and canned them as far back as I can remember. I got this recipe from her in 1984 and she had used it for years. Date and source unknown.

RCI-VG.005.0160.001

Pickled Peppers for Abundant Supply of Bell Peppers

My Aunt Maggie made these every summer and canned them as far back as I can remember. I got this recipe from her in 1984 and she had used it for years. Date and source unknown.

RCI-VG.005.0164.001

Pickled Tahiti Limes

Pickled Tahiti Limes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0167.001

Pickled Vegetable Medley for Winter I

In Romanian: Zacusca pentru iarna I

RCI-VG.005.0168.001

Pickled Vegetable Medley for Winter II

In Romanian: Zacusca pentru iarna II

RCI-VG.001.0456.001

Picnic Coleslaw

Here is an easy salad recipe you can prepare for your family or take to your next family get-together.

RCI-VG.001.0457.001

Picnic Salads

6 to 8 servings.

Pico de Gallo
RCI-SC.005.0134.002

Pico de Gallo

has two meanings in Mexican cuisine. The most familiar to North Americans is a fresh, tomato-based condiment. " This salsa is never cooked.

RCI-SC.005.0134.001

Pico de Gallo

has two meanings in Mexican cuisine. The most familiar to North Americans is a fresh, tomato-based condiment. " This salsa is never cooked.

RCI-SC.005.0136.001

Picook's Pesto Sauce

right|200px right|200px right|200px right|200px Recipe by Picook 12:44, 7 January 2008 (UTC)

Pierogi
RCI-ND.007.0044.002

Pierogi

).

RCI-SN.001.0294.001

Pierogie Filling:Saurkraut Filling

Poland

RCI-VG.003.0097.001

Pigeon Peas with Coconut

Pigeon Peas with Coconut from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0509.001

Pig's Feet Stew

Pig's Feet Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-PF.001.0027.001

Pig's Foot Souse

Pig's Foot Souse from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0199.001

Pigs-in-Blankets

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-BR.008.0166.001

Pikelet

are small, thick pancakes, and are standards of the New Zealand kitchen. They are also made in Australia.

RCI-RC.001.0156.001

Pilafi me Garides

Pilafi me Garides Rice pilaf with shrimp Serves 6 – 10

RCI-DS.001.0419.001

Pilgrim's Pumpkin Rice Custard

Makes 12 servings

RCI-MT.004.0650.001

Pina Colada Chicken

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0422.001

Pina Colada Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SC.007.0240.001

Pindzhur

Pindzhur from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0197.001

Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring

Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0651.001

Pineapple Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 to 6

RCI-ND.005.0119.001

Pineapple Chutney

Pineapple Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0139.001

Pineapple, Corn and Mango Salsa

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 2 servings

RCI-SF.001.0281.001

Pineapple-Fish Balls

Pineapple-Fish Balls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0222.001

Pineapple fried rice

Fried rice | |

RCI-BR.003.0322.001

PINEAPPLE NUT BREAD

PINEAPPLE NUT BREAD from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0224.001

Pineapple Pilaf

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0425.001

Pineapple Rice Delight

Makes 8 servings

RCI-DS.001.0427.001

Pineapple Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0428.001

Pineapple Snow

Yield 6 cups of Pineapple snow and 2 cups of soft custard sauce.

RCI-DS.004.0215.001

Pineapple-Strawberry Delight

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.006.0263.001

Pineapple Tarts

Pineapple Tarts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0415.001

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a sweet treat with baked pineapples.

RCI-RC.006.0091.001

Pine Nut Rice Dressing

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.004.1027.001

Pinion Estate Lentil Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pinion Estate in Mesquite, Texas in 1994.

RCI-SC.007.0243.001

Pink Butter

In Romanian: Unt roz

RCI-DS.001.0429.001

Pink Valentines Angel Food Cake

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-VG.004.1028.001

Pinto Beans with Potatoes

This dish traditionally is made with manioc (also known as cassava), but potatoes are a reasonable substitute. Serves 6 – 8.

RCI-VG.004.1029.001

Pioneer Bean Pot

Pioneer Bean Pot from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0504.001

Piparkakut (Gingerbread Cookies)

Piparkakut (Gingerbread Cookies)

RCI-VG.001.0458.001

Pipino Salad

Pipino is the Filipino term for cucumber.

RCI-MT.005.0237.001

Piquant Meat Loaf

Finely Ground Beef, Frozen by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-MT.004.0653.001

Piquant Rijstschotel

Piquant Rijstschotel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0108.001

Pisces Indian Eggplant

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.