Himalayan salt is a unique and versatile ingredient that is widely used in cooking and wellness practices. One of the most striking features is the color of Himalayan salt with its unique pink color however, Himalayan salt can also come in different colors such as red, orange, white, and even black.
In this blog post, I wanted to delve into the world of Himalayan salt and explore the various colors that it can come in, and what it means for its taste and benefits.
From the traditional pink Himalayan salt to the lesser-known red, orange, white, and black Himalayan salt, I will explore how the color variation is caused, and how it may…or may not…affect the taste.
What Colors Can Himalayan Salt Be (Is It Always Pink?)
Himalayan salt is known for its unique pink color, which is caused by the presence of iron oxide and other minerals. However, Himalayan salt can also be found in a variety of other colors such as white, red, orange, and even black.
The color of Himalayan salt can vary depending on the location where it is mined and the specific mineral content of the salt. The salt that is mined from the upper levels of the mine tends to be a brighter pink color, while the salt from deeper layers is often a deeper red or orange. The black salt is also known as “kala Namak” and is rich in sulfur content giving it a unique taste and color.
In addition to its color, Himalayan salt is also prized for its high mineral content. It is rich in minerals such as sodium, chloride, and calcium, as well as trace amounts of other minerals like iron and zinc. Here is a bit more about the different colors you can find:
Pink Himalayan Salt
Native to the ancient Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Pink Himalayan salt is recognized as one of Earth’s purest salts. Its unique pink hue originates from its abundance of minerals like zinc, iron oxide, calcium and magnesium…these trace elements also contribute to potential health benefits when added into your diet.
White Himalayan Salt
A white Himalayan salt is a prized type of rock salt that hails from the Khewra Salt Mine, just like its pink counterpart. Even though it still contains essential minerals such as sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium and zinc in abundance, what sets it apart is its lower iron content which eliminates any hint of rosy coloration unlike the latter. So if you’re looking for unique flavor with an unmatched mineral-richness then white Himalayan salt should definitely be your choice!
Red and Orange Himalayan Salt
Extracted from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, red and orange Himalayan salt is richer in iron oxide than pink Himalayan salt, resulting in its darker hue. But that’s not all! Red and orange varieties are also significantly higher in minerals, making them even healthier to enjoy compared to their pale counterpart.
Black Himalayan Salt
The robust and aromatic Black Himalayan Salt, also known as “Kala Namak”, is extracted from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. This salt has a potent sulfur content that contributes to its distinctive color and flavor. Typically used for spicing up dishes like curries or chutneys, this seasoning will transport your taste buds to another level of culinary experience!
Does The Color Of Himalayan Salt Affect Its Taste?
In general, the taste of Himalayan salt is similar to that of other types of salt no matter the color. It is used to add seasoning to food and can be used in the same way as table salt. Some believe that Himalayan salt has a sweeter taste than regular salt, but there isn’t a consensus on this, and could be that salt mined from different locations can vary in taste.
It is important to note that the color of Himalayan salt can vary depending on where it is mined and the mineral content of the specific location. Some Himalayan salt can be pink or white, or even orange or black as discussed above.
What Does Red Or Orange Himalayan Salt Taste Like?
Red or orange Himalayan salt is hard to find, but its flavor resembles pink Himalayan salt. The hue of red or orange hints at a higher iron content and additional minerals in the blend…however this doesn’t change the taste of it.
What Does White Himalayan Salt Taste Like?
Black Himalayan salt is known for its dark color, which is caused by the presence of high levels of activated charcoal. The activated charcoal is added to the salt during the processing of salt. This one is a bit of an outlier in that the color does affect the taste a bit, but this is because of the processing of the salt.
Black Himalayan salt is scarce and not a traditional form of the staple. But, its activated charcoal additions can be advantageous…aiding with body detoxification and digestion. The blend produces a unique smoky flavor too, adding even more complexity to its taste profile.
What Does Black Himalayan Salt Taste Like?
White Himalayan Salt is recognized as one of the purest forms of salt due to its lack of contaminants and dearth of minerals, this also contributes to its white color.
White Himalayan salt is comparable to regular table salt in flavor, yet has a higher mineral content. Its purity also lends it an especially pure taste that some can distinguish from traditional table salt. As this white variation is rarely seen, it’s widely considered a gourmet delight and used in high-end culinary dishes. Its rarity makes it exceptionally sought after and quite pricey.
Some More Info On Black Himalayan Salt
I’m pretty fascinated by Black Himalayan salt so I thought I’d explore this a bit more. I have another article about Smoked Salt, which shares some similarities to this variety if you want to check that out.
The jet-black hue of Black Himalayan salt is derived from the infusion of activated charcoal during its production. Activated charcoal, known for being highly adsorbent and porous due to oxygen treatment, lends a striking black color to this type of salt. As a result, you get an eye-catching mineral that can be used in many culinary creations!
Activated charcoal is crafted by subjecting carbon-abundant materials like wood, peat, or coconut shells to high temperatures without oxygen. This causes the carbon molecules to become exceedingly porous and open up a large surface area capable of adsorption. When activated charcoal is mixed with salt, it absorbs foreign particles and other undesired material…giving the substance its rich, black color.
Final Thoughts
Himalayan salt is a unique and versatile ingredient that can be used for culinary purposes. The color of the salt varies depending on where it is mined, but pink salt is the most common. Other colors such as white, orange or black are also available with different minerals in them but the flavor profiles stay largely unchanged…the exception being the black variety.
Whether you’re using it to season food or just as an aesthetic addition to your dish…Himalayan salts are sure to bring something special to any meal!