We can all agree that salt is an essential ingredient for cooking. Not only does it make dishes taste delicious, but sodium chloride (salt) is also an essential nutrient we need in our body; one of the benefits of this nutrient is balanced or stable blood pressure.
Salt without Potassium Nutrition Facts
Salt is a very common item in the kitchen, we often assume we have some salt left, but sometimes the reverse is the case. So let’s say you’re making a meal, you have all the ingredients you need for a delicious dish, you reach for your salt, but you can’t find any. I know this feeling can be devastating, but what if there was a substitute despite the dismay? What if you had something you could easily swap for salt that has little or no potassium like salt?
What is Salt?
Well, salt can have many definitions, depending on who you ask. For example, in chemistry, salt is a product of an acidic base reaction containing a base with a positively charged ion and an acid with a negatively charged ion. At the same time, a chef will describe salt as a preservative and a flavoring agent that contributes to the taste and texture of dishes. These two definitions are equally important to remember. The use of salt can be traced far back to the ancient Egyptians. It was discovered to be a decent preservative for food because sodium drives the moisture, which causes bacteria away from foods and dries them in the process. This was extremely important because there was no refrigerator back then.
There are different types of salt, including sea salt, black salt, table salt, to name a few.
Uses of Salt in Recipes
Salt is a very important ingredient when it comes to preparing a dish. Most recipes include a fair amount of salt. This is important because it helps balance the flavors and give a juicy, savory taste to the dish, and yes, it helps preserve the food. Another important reason we use salt is that we need its sodium. Here are some recipes containing salt;
- Grilled steak
- Pizza
- French fries
- Chicken and chips
- Burritos
- Salted nuts
- Certain baked goods
Substitute for Salt
Despite the importance of salt in our everyday meal, it can come in handy to replace this ingredient; this can be because of different reasons, ranging from a shortage of this item in your kitchen to complicated medical reasons.
Whatever your reasons are, getting a perfect substitute for salt is not as easy as you think; most of the replacements are high in potassium levels. This is something you want to avoid if you have hyperkalemia. It’s good to know salt replacements without potassium means it also contains sodium but in a reduced quantity.
Here are some salt substitutes:
Salt-Free Seasoning Blend, Lemon Pepper
The Benson’s Table Tasty is a perfect salt substitute if you want to avoid that high potassium levels completely, and at the same time, reduce your sodium intake. Its all-natural ingredients make it ideal for people on a low sodium diet. It contains bits of carrots, parsley, red bell pepper, and many natural ingredients for flavoring and color. Measurements remain the same, that is, one tablespoon of Benson’s Table Tasty equals one tablespoon of salt.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast or nooche is simply a deactivated yeast, majorities come in a yellow flakey form, and some can come in the forms of powder or granules. It’s is popular with vegans and vegetarians because it is a good source of vitamin B.
It has a savory flavor described as cheesy or nutty, making it a very good cheese substitute. It can also spice up your dishes with their savory taste without increasing sodium levels. Although nutritional yeast contains some potassium, it is lower than most salt substitutes.
When substituting nutritional yeast for salt, you may want to start with ½ value of what the recipe calls for and slowly add more until your desired taste is reached.
Maldon Salt
Since 1882, Maldon salt has proved to be a reliable brand of salt. It is very similar to table salt, and having the same white crystallized appearance, it may easily be mistaken for table salt. You may notice a little difference in taste when cooked because the Maldon salt has a milder taste, which is why most people prefer to sprinkle on a meal after serving. It has one percent reduced sodium and potassium content. I know this may sound it isn’t so much, but if you’re looking to cut down on your potassium intake, then it is ideal because it has almost no potassium.
Substitute 1 tablespoon of table salt for one tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon of Maldon sea salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any natural salt substitute?
Citrus fruit, lemons, limes, cayenne pepper can all be used to give flavors to your dishes without using a salt substitute; fruits can add a sweet or bright taste to a bland dish, while peppers can make them spicy.
Are salt substitutes safe?
Most salt substitutes are potassium chloride. This is good in lowering blood pressure, but when you have certain medical complications like liver disease, heart or kidney disease, even high blood pressure. So the same people who look for a salt alternative may be the ones who are not supposed to use them. So always consult your doctor to know what is suitable for your condition.
How can I get a salty taste without salt?
You don’t necessarily have to add a pinch of salt before you are greeted with a salty taste. However, some ingredients can offer a salty taste when added to a dish. For example, you can try out some olives, parmesan, or a slice of bacon may do the trick.
Conclusion
Salt is an essential ingredient in cooking, but excessive or deficient use may cause medical complications. This is the driving force behind looking for a salt substitute. But whatever your reasons may be, knowing what’s best for you is the most essential thing, so make sure to visit your doctor regularly. Stay healthy