Himalayan pink salt (HPS) is a type of rock salt mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. This salt is prized for its distinct flavor and appealing color, which ranges from pale pink to deep red. The characteristic hue comes from the presence of trace minerals, primarily iron oxide (rust), trapped within the sodium chloride crystals. HPS is popular in culinary and wellness circles due to its unrefined nature and trace elements.
Culinary Use: Seasoning and Substitution
The most common use of Himalayan pink salt is as a seasoning agent in food preparation. The application depends on the grain size selected. Fine-grain HPS is best for baking and general cooking, as the smaller crystals dissolve quickly and distribute evenly.
Coarse-grain HPS is reserved for use in salt grinders or as a finishing salt, providing a distinct texture and flavor. The larger crystals are ideal for rubbing onto meats before grilling or sprinkling over salads and baked goods for contrast. Because the crystals are larger than standard table salt, a teaspoon of coarse HPS may contain less sodium by volume than a teaspoon of denser, finely ground salt.
A different application involves using solid blocks or slabs of HPS as a cooking or serving surface. These thick salt plates are heated gradually on a grill or stovetop (400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), imparting a subtle, mineral-rich saltiness to the food. For cold applications, the blocks can be chilled in a freezer and used to present sushi, cheese, or desserts. Proper care is necessary, including ensuring they are completely dry before heating and avoiding the use of soap during cleaning.
Internal Use: Making and Consuming Sole
A unique method of internal consumption is preparing “sole,” a saturated brine solution of Himalayan pink salt and water. To create this concentrate, a glass jar is filled one-quarter full with coarse HPS crystals and topped with filtered water. The jar is sealed and allowed to sit for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature until saturation is reached.
The sole is ready when undissolved salt crystals remain visible at the bottom, indicating full saturation. This concentrated liquid must be diluted heavily, usually one teaspoon mixed into a full glass of fresh water. The solution should be stored in a glass jar at room temperature and remains potent indefinitely due to the salt’s preservative properties. Since this practice adds sodium to the diet, consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially if managing high blood pressure.
External and Respiratory Applications
Beyond dietary intake, HPS can be utilized for topical and respiratory support. A Himalayan salt bath involves dissolving roughly two cups of coarse pink salt into a tub of warm water. Soaking in this solution for 20 to 30 minutes is believed to help ease muscle tension and soften the skin.
For respiratory use, a dry salt inhaler is a ceramic device filled with HPS crystals, allowing for at-home halotherapy. Users inhale slowly through the mouth and exhale through the nose, drawing air over the salt particles. This process is thought to deliver microscopic salt particles into the respiratory tract, which may help thin mucus and ease congestion.
Another respiratory application is nasal irrigation using finely ground HPS with a Neti pot. A quarter to a half teaspoon of non-iodized salt is dissolved in eight ounces of warm, sterilized water to create an isotonic saline solution. This solution is gently poured into one nostril and allowed to flow out the other, cleansing the nasal passages. Salt lamps, carved blocks of HPS with a light source inside, are also common for providing ambient glow.