Sea salt is not kosher salt, at least not all of the time. Well, it turns out that although kosher salt is generally chemically quite similar to sea salt, there's a considerable difference between kosher salt as a powder and sea salt, as a grater. So let's begin by examining the basic difference between sea salt and kosher salt.
Most of us have experienced the exquisite flavor and texture of sea salt as well as table salt, and most have also sampled kosher sea salt in various forms and mostly as a sliver on our kosher foods or in sprinkles on our baked potatoes. But what's really the big deal? How is the difference actually affected when you use kosher salt versus regular sea salt? And why should we care? (If nothing else, you might be surprised at just how different this type of salt can actually be).
One important distinction between the two is the amount of sodium in the product. Sea salt tends to have far less sodium than table salts, even kosher salt, which makes it a healthier alternative for your diet. The naturally occurring mineral content of sea salts is much higher than table salts and is, therefore, more "saltier", which can make it more acceptable to most people.
Another key difference is that sea salt tends to retain more of the original taste of the ocean, and is less likely to dry out and taste stale after a while. This makes kosher salt a better choice for people who don't want their food to lose its flavor. However, many people enjoy the salty, fresh taste of sea salts and so sea salt is a personal preference.
The next factor to consider when comparing kosher salt or table salt is its consistency. Kosher salt is somewhat harder to find and generally sold in stores in blocks of square inches rather than in pieces. This makes kosher salt more expensive and requires you to use more of it when cooking or preparing foods at home. However, many people do like the idea of using more kosher salt to help bring out the flavor and texture in foods, and many kosher salt shakers help you do so without having to purchase additional kosher salt from the store each time.
Table salt, on the other hand, comes in smaller pieces and is usually included in your cooking process along with other seasonings. Because it's more localized, table salts tend not to mix well with certain foods, such as dairy products and fish. It also has a very strong flavor and is not recommended for low-fat or low-calorie cooking processes, such as low-fat frying. Even if you're using it sparingly, table salts are not good for seasoning meat.
Another important consideration when choosing kosher salt recipes and using it for food preparation is which brand you buy. While retailers such as A LOT co. sell excellent kosher salt products, they also sell other popular brand names as well. Some of these brands include Paleo salty, Generalissimo, and salts from Rosemary and Thyme. Be sure to read labels carefully to ensure that you are getting the salt that is described in the recipe and that it is indeed kosher. (Note that supplements may also be included with the salt, but these salts are different and should be considered on their own.)
Lastly, make sure that your kosher salt recipe does not involve any soaking or straining when using it. This can lead to unpleasant flavors in your finished product, as well as unnecessary amounts of salt being added to the cooking process. When using traditional methods of kosher salt seasoning, such as grilling, the addition of water to the cooking area will help draw out the flavor and create a moist environment in which the seasoning can better penetrate and adhere. This is not necessary when using kosher salt as part of your dry food or baking process.