“The Sweet Salt Secret: Transforming Sea Salt into a Sweet Treat”

Salt is a common condiment in many households in Vietnam, but have you heard of sweet salt? In this article, we will introduce you to this unique seasoning and guide you through the process of making it at home.

1 What is Sweet Salt?

Sweet salt, also known as unrefined sea salt, is a natural salt found in the sea. It has a lower NaCl content than industrial salts, resulting in a milder taste compared to other salts. This is the type of salt commonly used by fishermen in central Vietnam as a seasoning.

What is Sweet Salt?

There are two main types of common sea salt:

• Rock Salt: Mined from salt mines, this salt is produced by pumping water into the mines to create a concentrated salt solution. The water is then evaporated, leaving behind pure salt crystals. As a result, rock salt is known for its high purity and attractive white color.
• Sea Salt: Found in coastal areas, sea salt contains small amounts of iodine. It has larger grains and higher moisture content than rock salt. The production process for sea salt is relatively simple.

2 How to Make Sweet Salt from Sea Salt

Ingredients

• Clean ash from a wood-burning stove
• Sea salt

Ingredients for Making Sweet Salt

Instructions

Step 1: Place the sea salt in a bamboo container.

Step 2: Line a layer of clean ash from the wood-burning stove on a brick. This step helps absorb impurities from the sea salt.

Step 3: Place the bamboo container with sea salt on the brick lined with ash. Wait until the salt becomes fluffy and light, indicating that it is ready to be used as a seasoning.

Final Product

The resulting sweet salt has a pure white color and a mild, less intense salty taste. It can be used as a substitute for regular salt or to enhance the flavor of dishes.

Sweet Salt Final Product

3 Using Sweet Salt in Cooking

Sweet salt can be added to soups when the water starts boiling or before stir-frying. Here are some tips on how to use sweet salt in your cooking:

Using Sweet Salt in Cooking

• Depending on the dish, add sweet salt before or after cooking. For soups, add the salt when the water starts boiling. For stir-fries, season the ingredients before cooking.
• When eating grilled or fried dishes, sprinkle a small amount of sweet salt on top to enhance the flavor.
• Use the “three-finger pinch” to measure the right amount of salt. Simply dip three fingers into the salt and pinch to get the perfect amount.
• Remember to consume salt in moderation to maintain a healthy diet for yourself and your family.

4 Is Sweet Salt the Same as Pot-Roasted Salt?

Although they share similar ingredients, sweet salt and pot-roasted salt are produced using different processes and have distinct characteristics.

Pot-roasted salt is made by roasting sea salt in a clay pot over high heat using charcoal as fuel. The clay pot is crafted from high-quality mountain clay to ensure purity and safety. The roasting process takes several days of continuous heating.

Pot-roasted salt has a mild salty taste without the bitterness found in regular salt. It leaves a sweet aftertaste and carries the aroma of the clay pot, with a cream-white color.

Pot-Roasted Salt is Roasted in a Clay Pot Over High Heat

Sweet salt, on the other hand, is made using traditional methods with bamboo containers and wood ash. It does not require specialized equipment like clay pots, charcoal, or high heat. The production of sweet salt is energy-efficient and results in a sweeter and more delicious flavor compared to pot-roasted salt.

Sweet Salt is Made Using Traditional Methods

We hope you found this information about sweet salt and its preparation useful. Give it a try and experience the unique flavor it brings to your dishes! Stay healthy and happy cooking!