Salt is a pervasive part of our lives, and one might even say it’s the most popular food ingredient in the world. And it’s been a significant part of not just cooking history but history itself. Some Roman records even say that ancient Roman soldiers sometimes received salt as part of their payments. And its significance can’t be undermined in human history. Can you believe that the world once went into a frenzy during the 1940s when it was declared there isn’t any salt left?!
What’s more is this condiment comes in various forms, including canning salt, which appears in tons of your culinary needs. But you won’t always have it in your pantry, which makes it imperative to find handy alternatives. And here, you’ll learn about what canning salt is and how to substitute it with different options in time of need.
What is Canning Salt?
Canning salt is simply pure granulated salt, without any anti-caking agents or additives typically found in table salt. These additives usually add a cloudy or darkened appearance to the pickle brine, which is why it is omitted from canning salt. It has extra fine granules, making it quicker to dissolve in solutions.
Canning Salt Uses in Recipes
Canning salt is the most preferred choice for canning and preserving, and it can also be used in place of table salt if you don’t care about clumping as such can occur. Canning salt can also be used in brines for turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, and other types of meat. And you can also sprinkle it over popcorn and tortilla chips as it also does a good job sticking to foods due to the lack of anti-caking agents.
Apart from kitchen uses, canning salt is also regularly included in manufacturing processes. And you’ll also find that it’s a handy item for water conditioning procedures. Of course, its culinary needs are why we’re learning about it, which is why you’ll find canning salt in many recipes such as;
- Sweet pickles
- Savory toppings
- Green tomato relish
- Canned recipes
- Sweet pepper relish
- Apple chutney
- Pickled jalapeños
- Dill beans
- Dill Crock
- Zucchini sticks
- Fake fruit flavors
- Brines
- Chili sauce
- Fireballs
- Gardiner
- Honey spears
- Ice water pickles
Substitutes for Canning Salt
Canning is probably the best option for preserving food items. But other substitutes can replace it in your recipes when you can’t find canning salt around you or don’t have enough. Also, you can’t just substitute any salt or salt-based product for canning salt, especially with the risks of botulism that comes with pickling. And it’s why we’ve picked what we consider the best alternatives to this condiment for your various needs;
Kosher Salt
This option is an excellent substitute for canning salt, as it’s pure and doesn’t contain iodine, anti-smoking agents, or additives. It brings a bright, mild taste and doesn’t discolor vegetables or change the flavor of pickles and other vegetables.
But kosher salt is different in texture from canning salt with more prominent grains and may unbalance its measurement in place of canning salt. So, it would be best to use 1½ cups of Kosher salt for every cup of canning salt. Also, note that the size difference of their grains means this substitute will take longer to melt in recipes.
Non-iodized Table Salt
This condiment is another option you can try, especially if you’re watchful of iodine content in your cooking. Also, it’ll taste almost like regular foods when used in pickle recipes, so some may prefer this factor. But it can still retain a similar flavor and color as pickling salt, making it suitable for pickles. And non-iodized salt offers a more robust salty flavor, as its smaller granules make the salt melt quickly.
But note that this option may discolor vegetables or make pickle solutions appear unclear due to its anti-caking contents. But its smaller salt granules make it easier to use in equal proportions as canning salt for your recipes.
Iodized Table Salt
This substitute for canning salt is a staple in canned vegetables and fish. And though it contains iodine which may affect the taste of vegetables, it’s safe and can be used if you’re out of canning salt. It also has a fine texture and contains anti-caking agents, making brines cloudy. And it offers a more robust salty flavor, so it’s crucial you know the proportions before substituting for canning salt.
But iodized table salt is a convenient option since you may have a jar of it on your dining table. And it can be used at a one-to-one ratio as canning salt. But remember that it contains iodine, so if only consider it if you’re not watching such in your diet.
Kosher Salt
This combo is a good substitute for canning salt, as it contains natural minerals and no artificial additives or chemicals that affect the flavor and color of the dish. It’s also a better option for pickling due to its higher moisture absorbent factor. Both kosher and coarse sea salt is suitable for cooking, baking, or finishing salt in dishes.
But it should be substituted at a 1:2 ratio, meaning one cup of canning salt equals half a cup of kosher salt plus 1½ cup of coarse sea salt. A plus of this option is the zero iodine content means no discolored pickles.
Fine Sea Salt + Coarse Salt
This mix is also a good substitute for canning salt when you’re in a pinch and is a healthier alternative to table salt. However, its particle size is more significant than Kosher salt and canning salt and can make your recipe more or less salty, depending on what you’re substituting. Plus, it takes longer to melt, so it must be properly proportioned.
To replace half a cup of canning salt and celery salt, combine half a cup plus one teaspoon of acceptable sea salt with one cup and half a teaspoon of coarse sea salt. Pay attention to these measurements, and you’ll have an excellent substitute for canning salt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use Himalayan salt instead of canning salt?
Yes, Himalayan salt is acceptable as a replacement if you can’t get canning salt. Plus, it also offers the perk of being void of iodine.
Is canning salt the best for pickling?
Yes, canning salt is excellent for pickling. But in its absence, any pure salt without additives is also good.
Is pickling salt the same as canning salt?
Terminologies can be intertwined, and pickling salt canning salt and vis-à-vis. But pickling salt means salt used for pickling, even if many use it to mean salt used as a preservative. Canning salt, however, means salt used in canned and other packaged goods as a preservative.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable substitute isn’t just the aim of replacing canning salt in recipes. Texture and measurements are other factors to be considered for better results. It’s why these substitutes won’t disappoint you, provided the appropriate measurements are followed. And they can be your best bet when you require fast alternatives to canning salt.cx