-teaspoon table salt

Table salt is refined sodium chloride (NaCl) that has been processed for culinary use, typically mined from salt deposits or extracted from seawater. The salt crystals are mechanically processed to uniform granule size, making it ideal for precise measurement in cooking and baking. Most table salt contains anti-caking agents such as silicon dioxide or calcium silicate to maintain flowability in humid conditions, and iodized varieties include potassium iodide as a public health measure to prevent iodine deficiency. Unlike coarser sea salts or specialty salts, table salt dissolves quickly and distributes evenly throughout dishes.

Table salt is the most common salt used in everyday cooking, baking, and seasoning. Its fine, uniform granules dissolve readily, making it ideal for dissolving into doughs, batters, sauces, and liquids where a smooth texture is desired. It is used as a finishing seasoning for vegetables, proteins, and prepared dishes, and serves as a crucial ingredient in preserved foods, cured meats, and pickling. The standardized granule size and density allow for reliable measuring by volume in recipes, making it particularly valuable in baking where precise sodium chloride ratios affect gluten development and fermentation.