In the world of culinary artistry, every chef seeks that extra ingredient to transform a dish from delightful to unforgettable.
Enter finishing salts – the gourmet ingredient that can add a burst of flavour, texture, and visual appeal to any culinary creation.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of finishing salts, exploring their various types, how to make your own flavoured salts, and the unique ways chefs use them to elevate dishes to new heights of taste and beauty.
What are Finishing Salts?
Finishing salts, also known as gourmet or artisan salts, are high-quality salts added just before serving to enhance taste, texture, and presentation. Unlike regular table salt, finishing salts are prized for their distinct flavours and unique textures, making them a valuable addition to any culinary masterpiece.
Types of Finishing Salts to Elevate Your Cooking
Each type of finishing salt brings its own character, adding complexity and depth to a dish. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular finishing salts:
1. Fleur de Sel: Often called the “flower of salt,” fleur de sel is hand-harvested from the top layer of sea salt ponds. Its slightly moist texture and mild, briny flavour make it perfect for both savoury and sweet dishes.
2. Maldon Salt: Hailing from Essex, England, Maldon salt is known for its pyramid-shaped crystals and clean, pure taste. The crunch and flavour make it a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike.
3. Himalayan Pink Salt: Mined from ancient salt deposits in the Himalayas, this rosy-hued salt has a subtle earthy flavour and rich mineral content, making it ideal for finishing meats, vegetables, and even desserts.
4. Smoked Sea Salt: Cold-smoked over wood fires, smoked sea salt has an alluring smoky aroma that enhances grilled or roasted dishes, vegetables, and even certain desserts.
5. Black Lava Salt: Originating from Hawaii, this striking jet-black salt is infused with activated charcoal, delivering a unique salty taste with a hint of smokiness and bold visual appeal.
Why Chefs Use Finishing Salts
Adding finishing salts to a dish isn’t just about taste – it’s about creating a multi-sensory experience. Here’s why they’re indispensable:
Texture: Finishing salts add a delightful crunch or delicate dissolving texture that enhances the mouthfeel of a dish.
Flavour Enhancement: Unlike regular salt, finishing salts offer complex flavours, from sea-infused brininess to earthy undertones, that bring out the best in your dish.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colours and unique crystalline structures of finishing salts make them a beautiful garnish, enhancing the aesthetics of any dish.
Creating Your Own Flavoured Salts: Tips & Techniques
Making your own flavoured salts is easy and allows you to customise flavours to suit your culinary style. Here are some essential tips to create finishing salts that dazzle your taste buds:
1. Choose the Right Salt: Opt for flaked or coarse salt, as their size and shape add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to your finishing salt. You don’t need the most expensive options since you’ll add other seasonings to enhance the flavour.
2. Preserve the Texture: When blending herbs and spices with the salt, avoid pulverising the salt completely – you want those large crystals or flakes to maintain texture.
3. Dry High-Moisture Ingredients: Fresh herbs, citrus, and dense ingredients should be dried before blending with salt to prevent clumping. This ensures your finishing salt stays fresh and ready to use.
4. Storage Tips: Use glass containers or ziplock bags for storage, as salt can corrode metal, affecting the taste and quality of your blend. Glass keeps your flavoured salt fresh and full of flavour.
5. Timing Matters: Add your flavoured salt just before serving. This allows the unique flavours and textures to shine without overpowering the dish.
Creative Uses of Finishing Salts
The versatility of finishing salts makes them perfect for adding flavour and texture to a wide range of dishes:
Desserts: A sprinkle of Maldon or fleur de sel on caramel or chocolate desserts creates an irresistible balance of sweet and salty.
Hot Beverages: Add a pinch of cocoa-infused salt to hot chocolate or coffee for an extra warming touch.
Cocktails: Smoked or citrus-flavoured salts make wonderful garnishes for cocktail rims, adding an extra dimension of flavour to your drinks.
Grilled Meats & Vegetables: The earthy, smoky notes of smoked sea salt or black lava salt pair beautifully with grilled or roasted foods.
Salads & Pasta: Add a pinch to elevate simple dishes like pasta, eggs, or salads with a burst of flavour and texture.
The Ultimate Finishing Touch
Finishing salts have become an essential tool for chefs, transforming simple dishes into exquisite dining experiences. From adding layers of flavour to providing a visual flourish, these salts are a key ingredient in the art of fine dining. So, next time you dine at a restaurant or prepare a meal at home, consider the magic of finishing salts – the secret ingredient that brings a dish to life.
Craft Your Own Signature Finishing Salt
One of my favourite flavour combinations is sea salt blended with cocoa nibs, which pairs beautifully with grilled meats, dark chocolate desserts, and even cocktails.
Cocoa Finishing Salt
A unique, versatile finishing salt that brings a rich cocoa aroma and a hint of earthiness to your favourite dishes.
Makes: About 100 grams
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
80 g Maldon or fleur de sel (or any flaky sea salt)
20 g roasted cocoa nibs
Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of warmth (if using with savoury dishes)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cocoa Nibs: Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the roasted cocoa nibs to release their aroma without fully pulverising them. The goal is to have some texture that will blend well with the salt crystals.
Combine with Salt: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cocoa nibs with the flaky sea salt. If you’re adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper, stir it in at this stage to infuse a subtle warmth.
Blend and Taste: Stir thoroughly to combine the salt and cocoa evenly. Taste a small amount to ensure the balance is right, adding a bit more cocoa nibs if you prefer a bolder chocolate flavour.
Store in a Glass Jar: Transfer the mixture to a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh. Avoid metal containers, as salt can corrode metal over time and affect the flavour.
Usage Suggestions:
Sprinkle over grilled meats, like steak or pork, for a deliciously earthy finish.
Use as a garnish on dark chocolate desserts, ice cream, or caramel dishes.
Add a pinch to cocktails like an Old Fashioned or espresso martini for a twist.
Chef’s Tip:
This cocoa finishing salt pairs especially well with dishes that have a natural sweetness or richness, balancing flavours and adding depth.
Try a small pinch on a slice of buttered toast or roasted sweet potatoes for a surprising savoury-sweet combination!
This Cocoa Finishing Salt is an easy, gourmet touch you can add to your pantry – perfect for any chef looking to add a hint of cocoa magic to their dishes.