10 Salts Experts Recommend Having In The Kitchen

“The difference between salts used for cooking versus those used for seasoning is more about the texture you add during and after the cooking process. The main difference is the grain and crystal of the salt.”

1. Fleur de sel

   Fleur de sel, which translates to "flower of salt," is one of the most prized salts in the culinary world. It's often referred to as the "caviar of salts" due to its delicate texture and pure, subtle flavor. Fleur de sel originates on the Atlantic coast of France, where it's hand-harvested through a centuries-old artisanal process. Fine, flaky crystals form on the surface of salt ponds and are carefully skimmed off before they sink, preserving their pristine quality. This labor-intensive method makes fleur de sel a premium finishing salt, treasured for both its flavor and craftsmanship. What sets fleur de sel apart from other salts is its moisture and complex flavor profile. It has a mineral-rich taste with a briny, slightly sweet undertone, which adds depth to dishes beyond basic saltiness. The moist, uneven crystals of fleur de sel naturally cling together, fo

2. Fine sea salt

   For its sheer versatility, fine sea salt is a kitchen essential. This salt dissolves quickly, making it perfect for seasoning while cooking or even sprinkling over dishes at the last moment. "If you had to pick one salt, this would be it," says Chef Lior Lev Sercarz. It's an all-rounder that can be used on just about anything, from soups and stews to meats and baked goods. Jess Lea-Wilson, co-author of "Sea Salt: A Perfectly Seasoned Cookbook," adds, "Fine sea salt distributes more evenly around the ingredients in a dish to intensify their flavor, and in turn make everything taste more complementary." This even distribution is in large part due to its fine texture. Its mild flavor also makes it a great choice for more delicate dishes like fish, where you don't want a dash of salt to overpower it. Lea-Wilson also points out that the purity of fine sea salt

3. Grey salt

   Grey salt, also sometimes known as Celtic Sea salt, offers a robust, earthy flavor that sets it apart from other sea salts. Harvested from the clay-lined salt ponds of France (as well as a few other sources), its signature greyish hue comes from the minerals present in the surrounding environment. This unique harvesting process, which involves minimal processing, allows grey salt to retain valuable trace minerals that contribute to its depth of flavor. Unlike finely processed table salt, grey salt is coarser, with a texture that is rough and moist, making it easy to pinch and control for precise seasoning. Chef Lior Lev Sercarz describes grey salt as "a great all-purpose salt for cooking and blanching pasta, but also great for roasting," underscoring its multifunctionality in the kitchen across all levels of use. He goes even further in his recommendation to sa

4. Smoked salt

   For those times when you want to add a touch of smoke without firing up the grill, smoked salt is a fantastic alternative. Often crafted by smoking sea salt over wood chips, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, this seasoning infuses dishes with a deep, savory flavor that can add a touch of gourmet to all sorts of culinary creations. Each type of wood contributes a unique character: hickory offers a bold, robust taste; mesquite adds an intense, earthy note; and applewood imparts a sweeter, milder flavor. Chef Lior Lev Sercarz describes it as "a great salt for roasting and finishing," highlighting its ability to impart a smoky depth to ingredients that weren't necessarily grilled. Jess Lea-Wilson emphasizes its versatility, noting that "smoked sea salt is especially delicious with grilled or barbecued meat, fish and vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, roast

5. Citrus salt

   Unique seasonings can transform everyday dishes into extraordinary ones, sometimes with just a few sprinkles. Citrus salt stands out as a vibrant addition to any spice rack, infusing a bright and zesty flavor that enhances a wide range of meals. Chef Lior Lev Sercarz highlights its array of uses, noting that it is great "for both cooking and finishing," making it an ideal seasoning to keep on hand. The bright acidity and fragrant notes of citrus can effortlessly add a lively, zesty edge to your dishes. As Sercarz notes, "Salt blends, such as citrus salts, help bring out or enhance flavors in a dish," making them an excellent choice for amplifying the overall taste experience. This is especially beneficial for understated recipes that crave a burst of brightness, such as a baked potato or plain white rice. Jess Lea-Wilson points out that flavored salts, such as cit

6. Kosher salt

   Kosher salt has become a staple in both professional kitchens and home pantries, prized for its versatility and unique characteristics. Naomi Duguid, author of "The Miracle of Salt," explains, "It's flat and thin because it's designed for drawing the blood out of meat." This distinctive texture makes it ideal for various culinary applications. Chef Lior Lev Sercarz highlights another advantage: "The smaller or finer the salt, the more it will penetrate." This property allows kosher salt to effectively draw moisture from ingredients, enhancing flavors and textures while contributing to its popularity in both cooking and baking. One of the primary reasons many chefs keep kosher salt around at all times is its ease of use. "When you pick up a pinch of it — to season soup at the end or to adjust things — it doesn't stick to your fingers," Duguid notes. This qual

7. Colored salts

   Colored salts are a visual feast that can instantly enhance the presentation of your dishes. Chef Naomi Duguid describes them as "a gorgeous thing to sprinkle on," pointing out their role as stunning garnishes that bring a splash of color to any meal. Sometimes colored salts are infused with natural ingredients like blueberry or spruce tip, offering vibrant hues that can transform a simple dish into a chef's masterpiece. Other colorful salt options include Himalayan pink salt, whose hue comes from natural minerals, particularly iron oxide, found in the salt deposits. Similarly, black lava salt derives its striking dark color from activated charcoal, adding a dramatic contrast to many ingredients. While these salts may impart subtle flavors, their primary allure lies in their ability to enhance the aesthetic appeal of food. Duguid notes, "it's doing the

8. Blackthorn salt

   Blackthorn salt is a hidden gem of the culinary world, produced near Glasgow, Scotland, using a unique technique that sets it apart from the rest. This premium sea salt is made by filtering seawater through blackthorn branches, a process that infuses the salt with a subtle, woodsy flavor and a rich mineral profile. Chef Naomi Duguid had the chance to visit the Blackthorn facility and describes the process: "The salt water is pumped up to the top and trickles down through prickly branches to the bottom, and then they pump it back up and so on. In five days, with the wind blowing through the side of the structure, it evaporates the water as it's trickling down so much that they end up with a really thick salty brine." It's an artisanal method that speaks to the care and craftsmanship behind this product. What makes Blackthorn salt truly special is the unique fla

9. Flaky sea salt

   Flaky sea salt is one of the most versatile finishing touches available in any kitchen, and it's about more than just adding saltiness — it's about texture, crunch, and enhancing every bite. Jess Lea-Wilson explains, "Flaky salt sprinkled onto food moments before eating provides a crackle and burst of saltiness that give savory and sweet dishes a rush of flavor." That burst of flavor, paired with the satisfying crunch of the delicate flakes, can turn the simplest dish into something extraordinary. A great way to taste the difference for yourself is to experiment with something simple, like raw tomatoes. As Lea-Wilson suggests, "Try three slices of raw tomato: one unseasoned, one sprinkled all over with fine salt, and one with a pinch of flaky salt." As you're taste-testing, you'll notice the flaky salt not only seasons but also adds a crunchy burst that makes f

10. Celery salt

    Celery salt may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of food-altering seasonings, but it definitely deserves a spot in your pantry. Made by combining ground celery seeds and salt, this often-overlooked ingredient can enhance a variety of dishes with its slightly peppery, herbal flavor. As Chef Jess Lea-Wilson points out, "Celery salt, for example, really dials up the experience of a Bloody Mary." It goes far beyond cocktails though — this versatile seasoning can boost the flavor of soups, salads, and roasted vegetables, too. The real charm of celery salt lies in its ability to add a savory hint of depth that alters a dish without taking over. It's a subtle ingredient that brings out the best in whatever it touches. Whether you're adding it while you simmer a tomato soup, blending it into your burger patties, or using it as a finishing t