Salt: the unsung hero of your kitchen - more than just a seasoning

When most people think of salt, they immediately associate it with flavour-enhancing savoury dishes, balancing sweetness or adding that final touch to a meal. 

But this humble white crystal, a staple in kitchens across the globe for centuries, has far more to offer than just taste.

Salt plays a vital role in texture, preservation, colour and even the chemistry of cooking.

It’s one of the most versatile tools in any cook’s arsenal - and when used thoughtfully, it can transform your everyday meals in unexpected ways.

Here’s a closer look at the smart, sometimes surprising ways you can use salt in your kitchen beyond simple seasoning: 

Chop like a pro 

Chopping onions or garlic? A tiny sprinkle of salt on your cutting board can make a noticeable difference. Salt draws out moisture and helps tame the compounds that cause onion-induced tears.

It also softens garlic, making it easier to crush into a paste. This simple tip improves both comfort and precision - your eyes (and your knife skills) will thank you. 

Prevent fruit from browning 

Nobody likes brown, soggy apples in their salad. A quick saltwater soak can keep sliced fruit like apples, pears or avocados looking fresh.

Soaking fruit in lightly salted water for just a minute or two helps slow oxidation without noticeably affecting the taste - especially helpful when lemon juice isn't an option. 

Boil better with salt

Whether you’re boiling eggs, potatoes or pasta, adding salt to the water does more than season - it improves texture and performance. For eggs, salt can help firm the whites and make peeling easier.

For pasta, generously salted water (think: "like the sea") ensures every bite is well-flavoured from the inside out. 

Balance bitterness in beverages

It might sound counterintuitive, but a small pinch of salt in your coffee or hot chocolate can reduce bitterness and bring out smoother, more complex flavours.

It enhances the natural notes of roasted coffee beans or cocoa - just be careful not to overdo it. A mere ⅛ teaspoon per cup is enough to make a difference.

Lock in colour when cooking vegetables 

Bright, vibrant greens look as good as they taste. When blanching vegetables like spinach, beans or broccoli, adding salt to the boiling water helps preserve their colour.

Salt sets the chlorophyll, resulting in veggies that stay crisp and vibrant - and that make any dish look more appetising on the plate.

So the next time you reach for the salt shaker, think beyond simple seasoning.

With just a little know-how, salt can help you chop more efficiently, cook more colourfully, and serve meals with elevated flavour and texture.

It's a quiet kitchen hero - and one you’re likely already holding in your hand.