In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about black salt, also known as Himalayan black salt or kala namak. We discuss its benefits and side effects, share where you can buy it, and provide a few recipes to kickstart your adventures in cooking with this seasoning.

No time to listen? No problem! Read on for a quick summary of what we discuss.

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Disclaimer: Information on this site is presented for educational purposes only. Always speak to your doctor before beginning any new diets or supplements. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What is Black Salt?

Black salt is one of those things I had never heard of before I became plant-based.  As I researched my new lifestyle I began seeing this ingredient in plant-based recipes.

It is a type of rock salt commonly used in Asian and Indian food, primarily for its umami flavor.

It comes from salt mines in Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and a few other Himalayan Mountain locales, which is why it’s also known as Himalayan black salt. It can also be produced synthetically.

It consists of sodium chloride plus trace amounts of sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfide, iron sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide.

Despite being called “black salt,” some varieties can have more of a pinkish or gray hue.

 

What Does It Taste Like?

Black salt has an umami taste, making it great for Indian and Asian foods. Umami is one of the 5 basic tastes and is described as savory and even “meaty.” This is also why black salt works well in plant-based cuisine–it adds the taste without the meat!

In addition to being savory, black salt also has a sulfurous taste and smell that is similar to eggs. Some plant-based dishes like vegan tuna and scrambled tofu may include black salt as a way of adding eggy flavor.

 

Health Benefits of Black Salt

Kala namak has been around for a long time and is often associated with Ayurvedic medicine and holistic healing. While these holistic healing claims are primarily anecdotal, some benefits do have scientific backing.

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Good For Digestion

Black salt is said to have a “cooling effect” on the body and has been used to treat gas, heartburn, bloating, and indigestion. This is primarily because it helps your liver make bile and ramps up your body’s ability to absorb vitamins in the small intestine.

 

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Lower Sodium Than Regular Table Salt

Because it has a slightly lower sodium content than traditional table salt, black salt can be a great way to season your food without all of the extra sodium. Don’t go overboard, though! It still has sodium so if this is something you’re concerned with, use it moderately.

 

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Fewer Additives

Because black salt is less processed than traditional table salt, it contains fewer potentially harmful additives such as anti-caking ingredients.

 

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Use In Body Scrubs

Salt scrubs in general are great for removing dry, dead skin and improving circulation. The magnesium in salt can also help to flush away toxins.