Salt storage – how to serve and store salt?

Salt storage – what is the best way to store salt

What is the best way to store salt? Salt is an essential ingredient in many recipes, and proper storage is crucial to keep it fresh and prevent clumping or moisture.

Storing salt

Here are some simple top tips and best practices for storing salt:

  1. Keep salt in an airtight container: Air exposure can cause salt to absorb moisture and clump together, so it’s essential to store it in an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or plastic containers with snap-on lids are good options.
  2. Store in a cool, dry place: Salt can also absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, so it’s best to store it in a cool, dry place, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard works well.
  3. Use a desiccant: To further prevent moisture absorption, you can also add a desiccant to the container. Silica gel packets or rice grains can help absorb any excess moisture and keep the salt dry.
  4. Keep away from strong odors: Salt can also absorb strong odors from the surrounding environment, so it’s best to store it away from any pungent-smelling foods or spices.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your salt stays fresh and ready to use whenever you need it.

What’s the best way to serve salt?

  • Salt grinder
  • Salt cellar
  • Salt server

What is a salt grinder?

A salt grinder, also known as a salt mill, is a kitchen tool used to grind salt crystals into a finer and more manageable consistency. Salt grinders come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Generally they consist of a grinding mechanism and a container to hold the salt.

The grinding mechanism of a salt grinder is typically made of ceramic or stainless steel. It normally has multiple grinding settings to allow for coarse or fine salt. Some salt grinders have a manual crank, while others are battery-operated or electric.

Salt grinder

What kind of salt goes in a salt grinder?

Salt grinders are commonly used in home kitchens and in professional cooking to season dishes with freshly ground salt. They are also a popular tool for people who prefer to use coarse or specialty salts. These salts could include sea salt or Himalayan salt which can be ground to the desired size and texture.

Using a salt grinder also provides a fresher taste and aroma to salt, as the salt crystals are ground at the moment of use, rather than sitting pre-ground on a shelf. Additionally, salt grinders can be used for other spices, such as pepper. Salt grinders are a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Salt selection for salt grinder

What is a salt server?

A salt server is a type of serving dish or vessel used for presenting and serving salt. It is typically a small container or bowl with a lid or cover. This keeps the salt clean and dry when not in use. Salt servers can be made from a variety of materials including glass, ceramic, metal, or wood. They are often very decorative and ornate.

Salt servers are commonly used in formal dining settings or for special occasions, such as weddings, parties, or holiday meals. They provide an elegant and sophisticated way to present and serve salt to guests, especially gourmet salts. And they are often paired with other serving dishes and accessories, such as butter dishes, gravy boats, and condiment trays.

Some salt servers may also come with a small spoon or scoop for transferring salt from the server to individual plates or dishes. Others may have a built-in salt shaker mechanism, allowing guests to dispense salt directly from the server.

Overall, salt servers are a beautiful and functional addition to any dining table or entertaining setup. They can also add both style and convenience to the serving of salt.

Salt bowl and spoon

What are salt cellars?

What are salt cellars? And what are salt cellars used for? Salt cellars are small containers used to hold salt and are often found on dining tables. They can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, metal, or wood. Salt cellars are an important part of table settings. Historically they were used to hold salt before salt shakers became popular in the early 20th century.

Salt cellars come in many different shapes and styles, ranging from simple, plain designs to intricate and ornate ones. Some salt cellars have a spoon or scoop that is used to transfer salt from the container to the food, while others require the use of the fingers.

Today, salt cellars are still used in some restaurants or for special occasions. They provide a decorative and elegant way to present salt to diners. However, many people now prefer to use salt shakers or salt grinders, which allow for easier portion control and are more hygienic.

Salt cellar

Industrial salt storage

Salt needs to be stored before it is packaged and sent out to retailers. One place to store the unprocessed salt is in storage domes. Storage domes are typically used to store large quantities of salt for various purposes such as road de-icing, food preservation, and chemical production.

Why are salt storage dome shaped?

The dome shape is preferred for several reasons:

  1. Structural strength: The dome shape distributes the weight of the stored salt evenly across its surface, making it stronger and more resistant to collapse or damage. This design also allows for a greater volume of salt to be stored in the same area as a conventional building.
  2. Self-supporting: The dome shape allows the salt to be self-supporting, meaning that it can bear its weight without the need for additional structural support, such as columns or walls.
  3. Natural ventilation: The curved shape of the dome allows for natural ventilation to occur, which can help to reduce the moisture content in the stored salt and prevent clumping or caking.
  4. Energy efficiency: The dome shape allows for more efficient temperature control, reducing heating and cooling costs. The shape also reduces surface area, which helps to minimize heat loss and reduces the amount of energy required to maintain the temperature.

Overall, the dome shape is an efficient and practical design for large-scale salt storage, providing strength, durability, and natural ventilation.

Salt storage summary

Remember to keep your salt in an airtight container, preferably in a cupboard away from strong smells. This will ensure it stays fresh and ready to use for a long time. And remember to have some fun by using different containers, shakers and grinders to display the salt on your table.

More ideas

Do you still want to learn more? Then why not head over to our other sections to find out more about salt, its uses, other salt products, and some quick and easy recipes?