In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast, we talk about
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Disclaimer: Information on this site is presented for educational purposes only. Always speak to your doctor before beginning any new diets or supplements. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What is Black Salt ?
It is a type of rock salt commonly used in Asian and Indian food, primarily for its umami flavor.
It comes from salt mines in Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and a few other Himalayan Mountain locales. It can also be produced synthetically.
Despite being called “black” some varieties can have more of a pinkish or gray hue.
What Does Black Salt Taste Like?
Kala namak has an umami taste, making it great for Indian and Asian foods. Umami is one of the 5 basic tastes and is described as savory and even “meaty.” This is also why
In addition to being savory, it also has a sulfurous taste and smell that is similar to eggs. Some plant-based dishes like vegan tuna and scrambled tofu may include
Health Benefits of Black Salt
Kala namak has been around for a long time and is often associated with Ayurvedic medicine and holistic healing. While these holistic healing claims are primarily anecdotal, some benefits do have scientific backing.
Good For Digestion
Black salt is said to have a “cooling effect” on the body and has been used to treat gas, heartburn, bloating, and indigestion. This is primarily because it helps your liver make bile and ramps up your body’s ability to absorb vitamins in the small intestine.
Lower Sodium Than Regular Table Salt
Because it has a slightly lower sodium content than traditional table salt,
Fewer Additives
Because it is less processed than traditional table salt, it contains fewer potentially harmful additives such as anti-caking ingredients.
Use In Body Scrubs
Salt scrubs in general are great for removing dry, dead skin and improving circulation. The magnesium in salt can also help to flush away toxins. The added minerals in
Are There Any Side Effects of Black Salt ?
While there isn’t a ton of information to suggest that
It’s also important to know that, unlike traditional table salt,
Where Can I Buy Black Salt ?
Because it isn’t that uncommon, you can find kala namak at most large grocery stores, Your local Indian or Asian grocer should also carry it. Additionally, as with most things, you can easily purchase black salt online.
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No harmful additives such as anti-caking or anti-dumping agents
5 Recipes To Get You Started with Black Salt
If you’re an egg-loving vegetarian just looking to reduce your consumption, a tofu scramble using kala namak is a great way to do this.
This eggy dish from Loving It Vegan will have you asking, “What eggs?”
What I love about stir fry is that the leftovers heat up nicely. This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to cook and will leave you with leftovers for days.
With just 7 ingredients and no animal products, you can whip up this lunch deli favorite vegan-style.
Add some spice to your next fruit salad or ANY dish by adding some of this Chaat sauce. So versatile!
Let’s finish off our list of veg dishes with a drink. This refreshing drink is vegan and gluten-free and takes just minutes to make. A nice twist to traditional lemonade.
We hope this has helped you understand what
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