Are you a fan of pickling but can’t seem to find pickling salt at your local grocery store?
Don’t worry, there’s a substitute that you might already have in your pantry – Morton Kosher Salt.
But can it really be used as a substitute for pickling salt?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two salts and whether or not Morton Kosher Salt can be used in your pickling recipes.
So, let’s dive in and find out!
Can Morton Kosher Salt Substitute For Pickling Salt?
Pickling salt is a pure form of sodium chloride that is free of any additives or anti-caking agents. This makes it the ideal salt for pickling, as it dissolves completely in the brine and leaves it clear. On the other hand, Morton Kosher Salt is also a pure form of sodium chloride, but it has a larger grain size than pickling salt.
While both salts are pure forms of sodium chloride, their different grain sizes mean that they cannot be directly substituted for each other. If you were to substitute Morton Kosher Salt for pickling salt in your recipe, you would need to adjust the measurements accordingly.
For every teaspoon of pickling salt called for in your recipe, you will need to use 2 teaspoons of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons of Morton’s Kosher Salt. This will ensure that you are using the correct amount of salt in your recipe and that your pickles turn out perfectly.
What Is Pickling Salt And Why Is It Used?
Pickling salt is a type of salt that is specifically used for pickling vegetables. It is a pure form of sodium chloride that does not contain any additives, such as iodine or anti-caking agents. The fine grain size of pickling salt dissolves quickly and completely in the pickling brine, leaving it clear and free of any cloudiness or discoloration.
Pickling salt is used in pickling because it helps to preserve the vegetables by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It also enhances the flavor of the vegetables by drawing out their natural juices and flavors. Pickling salt is also important for maintaining the texture of the vegetables, as it helps to keep them crisp and firm.
Using regular table salt or other types of salt that contain additives can result in cloudy or discolored pickling brine, as well as a change in texture and flavor of the vegetables. This is why pickling salt is the preferred type of salt for pickling.
What Is Morton Kosher Salt?
Morton Kosher Salt is a type of pure sodium chloride that is commonly used in cooking and seasoning. Unlike pickling salt, Morton Kosher Salt contains an anti-caking agent, yellow prussiate of soda, which helps to prevent clumping. The salt is made by rolling salt crystals into large flakes, which give it a unique texture and appearance.
Morton Kosher Salt is considered to be table salt, rather than true kosher salt like Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt. This is because it has a slightly smaller grain size and contains the anti-caking agent. However, it is still a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike for its ability to add a gourmet touch to any dish.
The larger flakes of Morton Kosher Salt make it easy to measure and sprinkle, which makes it a versatile ingredient for everyday use. It is great for seasoning grilled meats and vegetables, roasting, and preparing marinades and rubs. Additionally, Morton Kosher Salt is non-iodized and certified kosher, making it suitable for use in preparing kosher meals.
Differences Between Pickling Salt And Morton Kosher Salt
The main difference between pickling salt and Morton Kosher Salt lies in the size and shape of their grains. Pickling salt has small, uniform granules with regular shapes, while Morton Kosher Salt consists of larger irregularly shaped flakes. The larger size of the flakes means that less of it will fit into a measuring spoon, and there will be more air between the granules. This can affect the accuracy of your measurements when using Morton Kosher Salt.
Additionally, pickling salt is specifically designed for pickling because it does not contain any additives like iodine or anti-caking agents that can discolor the pickles or make the brine cloudy. The smaller granules of pickling salt also help it to dissolve quickly in the brine.
Morton Kosher Salt, on the other hand, is a versatile all-purpose salt that can be used in cooking and baking. However, its larger crystals mean that it does not dissolve as quickly in water as pickling salt does. This makes it less ideal for use in brines for pickling.
Tips For Using Morton Kosher Salt In Pickling Recipes
If you’re using Morton Kosher Salt as a substitute for pickling salt in your pickling recipe, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Adjust the measurements: As mentioned above, for every teaspoon of pickling salt, use 2 teaspoons of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons of Morton’s Kosher Salt.
2. Dissolve the salt completely: Because of the larger grain size of Morton Kosher Salt, it may take longer to dissolve in the brine. Make sure to stir the brine well and give it enough time to fully dissolve before adding your vegetables.
3. Use pure Morton Kosher Salt: Make sure that the Morton Kosher Salt you’re using does not contain any anti-caking agents or additives. Check the label to ensure that it is a pure form of sodium chloride.
4. Taste and adjust: After your pickles have finished pickling, taste them to see if they need any additional salt. Because you’ve used a different type of salt than what the recipe called for, you may need to adjust the seasoning to taste.
By following these tips, you can successfully use Morton Kosher Salt as a substitute for pickling salt in your pickling recipes.
