kosher salt

[shirt]

is it any different from normal salt? recipe calls for it but I'm told its only sold at passover (waitrose/m&s). how the hell can salt be kosher anyway?

[leeeeshad]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosher_salt

looks like its just additive free salt in bigger lumps.

[Simpo Two]

Just as the word 'organic' gets people to pay 20% for things needlessly, I guess 'kosher' works for Jews...

[calibrax]

It's called kosher only because it's the type of salt used to make meat kosher by helping draw out the blood. It has bigger grains than normal salt (so it doesn't dissolve when put on meat, and remains on the surface drawing out the blood) and it has no additives.

It was originally known as "koshering salt" and has been shortened.

[motco]

I almost hesitate to ask, but would this be better for spreading on pork skin to make crackling crispy?

[calibrax]

motco said:

I almost hesitate to ask, but would this be better for spreading on pork skin to make crackling crispy?

I always use sea salt, which works very well. Bigger grains definitely help draw out the moisture. I wouldn't normally use regular table salt.

[OnTheOverrun]

Try Ice Cream Salt if you can't get kosher - it's even bigger grains/flakes and great for seasoning steaks.