Create Homemade Delicious Salt Varieties

In the culinary world, infused salts have become increasingly popular, offering a unique twist to everyday dishes. These salts, which can be easily made at home, provide an array of flavors that elevate the taste of various foods.

To create your own infused salt, start with a base of kosher salt, coarse sea salt, Himalayan salt, or Maldon salt. From there, you can customise the flavor to your personal taste.

For a smoky flavor, consider cooking bacon until crisp, crushing it into small pieces, and adding it to your salt. This salt is perfect for eggs, meat, baked potatoes, or anywhere a bit of smoky flavor is desired. If you're a fan of mushrooms, grinding dried mushrooms like porcini or shiitake and combining them with salt is suitable for soups, potatoes, and vegetables.

For those with a sweet tooth, ground dried lavender buds can be added to salt and used in desserts like shortbread cookies. Earl Grey tea leaves, when finely ground, can also be incorporated with salt and used in desserts.

Citrus lovers will appreciate the combination of lemon zest with salt, which is great for fish and poultry. Fresh rosemary with sea salt is suitable for sprinkling on bread or poultry as well.

Some recipes for infused salts involve baking, while others combine liquid. Red wine salts, for example, are worth trying out.

It's important to note that the flavor of infused salts improves as they rest, with a suggested resting period of a week before use. However, they can be used within a day if needed.

When using zest or dried herbs, be cautious when adding. Zest increases the flavor, while dried herbs may require a more delicate hand.

Homemade infused salts should be stored in a cool, dry area. To prevent clumping, store them in airtight, clean, and dry jars.

Infusing salts at home is not only a fun activity but also a cost-effective option. Compared to store-bought gourmet salts, a 2-ounce jar of which can cost almost $5, homemade infused salts can provide a more affordable yet flavorful alternative.

So, why not explore the world of infused salts and add a new dimension to your meals? Happy infusing!