Fine vs. coarse salt: does a teaspoon measure the same amount? Learn why using volume for different salt types can lead to a very salty mistake.
1 Answer
When measuring salt by volume, fine salt packs more densely than coarse salt. Therefore, a teaspoon of fine salt will contain significantly more salt by weight than a teaspoon of coarse salt.
Detailed Explanation:
The difference in weight when measuring fine and coarse salt by volume stems from the size and shape of the salt crystals. Fine salt, with its smaller particles, can settle more compactly into the measuring spoon, filling in the gaps between the grains. Coarse salt, on the other hand, has larger, irregularly shaped crystals that leave more air pockets when measured.Imagine filling a jar with marbles versus filling it with sand. The sand (like fine salt) will fill in all the spaces between the larger marbles (like coarse salt), resulting in a higher density and therefore more material by weight in the same volume.Therefore, if a recipe calls for a teaspoon of salt, and you use fine salt when the recipe author intended coarse salt, you will likely end up with a dish that is significantly saltier than intended. Conversely, using coarse salt when fine salt is intended will result in an under-seasoned dish.For accurate results, especially in baking or recipes where precise seasoning is crucial, it's always best to measure salt by weight using a kitchen scale. This eliminates the variability caused by differences in crystal size and packing density.
Pro Tip:
When a recipe doesn't specify the type of salt, it's generally safe to assume it refers to fine table salt. If you only have coarse salt on hand, you can grind it finer using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder before measuring. However, always taste and adjust seasoning as needed, regardless of the type of salt used.