What Is Kosher Salt?
A quick guide to kosher salt from a KA-certified Sydney kosher kitchen cooking since 1970.
What is kosher salt?
Kosher salt is a coarse, flaky salt with no added iodine. Its large crystals are easy to pinch and spread evenly, which is why many cooks prefer it.
Why is it called kosher salt?
The name comes from "koshering" meat. Under Jewish dietary law, blood is drawn out of meat before it is cooked, and coarse salt is used for this because it draws out moisture without dissolving straight away. The salt was named after the job, so the name doesn't mean it is certified kosher. Look for a kosher certification mark on the pack if that matters to you.
Kosher salt vs table salt
Table salt has fine grains and often contains iodine and anti-caking agents. Kosher salt is coarser and lighter, so a teaspoon of kosher salt is less salty than a teaspoon of table salt. If a recipe asks for kosher salt and you use table salt, use less.
Prefer someone else did the cooking?
Our kosher ready meals and catering are all made under KA supervision in our Darlinghurst kitchen and delivered across Sydney.
Common questions
- Is kosher salt healthier than table salt?
- Not really. It's still salt. It is just coarser, so you may end up using a little less.
- Does kosher salt contain iodine?
- Usually not. Most kosher salt has no added iodine.