A cup of table salt vs. a cup of kosher salt: why do they weigh differently? Learn how using weight avoids this common and salty recipe mistake.
1 Answer
One cup of table salt weighs more than one cup of kosher salt because table salt has a finer grain and packs more densely. Using a weight measurement like 300 grams ensures you're using the same *amount* of salt regardless of its type or grain size.
Detailed Explanation:
The difference in weight between a cup of table salt and a cup of kosher salt comes down to their crystal structure and density. Table salt consists of very fine, uniform grains. These grains pack together tightly, leaving very little air space between them. Kosher salt, on the other hand, typically has larger, more irregular crystals, often in the form of flakes or pyramids. These larger crystals create more air pockets when measured by volume (like a cup).Think of it like this: imagine filling a cup with sand versus filling a cup with pebbles. The sand, with its smaller particles, will settle more compactly, resulting in a heavier cup. The pebbles, being larger and more irregularly shaped, will leave more gaps, making the cup lighter.Therefore, a cup of table salt contains more actual salt *mass* than a cup of kosher salt. This difference can significantly impact the outcome of a recipe, especially in baking or when precise seasoning is crucial.Using a weight measurement, such as grams or ounces, eliminates this variability. Weight measures the actual mass of the ingredient, regardless of its volume or density. If a recipe calls for 300 grams of salt, it doesn't matter whether you use table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt; you'll be using the same amount of salt in terms of mass, ensuring consistent results.
Pro Tip:
When substituting kosher salt for table salt in a recipe that calls for volume measurements, start with about 1.5 times the amount of table salt specified. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly, as the saltiness perception can also vary slightly between different types of salt.