The best salt depends on the intended use, but generally, kosher salt, particularly Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, is highly regarded by chefs for cooking due to its pure taste, ease of control, and ability to dissolve well. For finishing, flaky salts like Maldon sea salt are preferred for their texture and delicate flavor. Himalayan pink salt is popular for its mineral content and bold flavor, though its health benefits over regular salt are not proven.

Types of Salt and Their Uses

• Kosher Salt: Preferred by many chefs (especially Diamond Crystal or Morton brands) for its clean flavor, large crystals, and versatility in cooking and seasoning meats. It has about 97.5% salinity, making it potent yet easy to control.

• Flaky Salt (e.g., Maldon): Often used as finishing salt due to its crunchy texture and mild saltiness, great for adding a burst of flavor on top of dishes.

• Himalayan Pink Salt: Harvested from mines in the Himalayas with minerals like iron giving it a pink hue and bolder flavor. Though visually appealing and flavorful, it offers no proven health advantages over other salts.

• Table Salt: Common and highly processed, often iodized for health benefits but can have additives and a metallic taste. Best for general seasoning and recipes where salt type is less critical.

• Sea Salt: Popular for everyday use with a slight ocean flavor and variable mineral content, sometimes iodized.

Chef Recommendations

• Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is the top choice for many chefs thanks to its light, easy-to-pinch crystals and consistent salinity, which make it ideal for everyday cooking and baking.
• Morton Kosher Salt is denser and saltier by volume, useful for recipe development and consistency.
• Flaky salts like Maldon are favored for finishing dishes due to their texture and mellow saltiness.

In summary, for cooking, kosher salt (especially Diamond Crystal) is generally considered the best due to its balance of flavor and usability, while flaky salts are best as a finishing touch. Himalayan pink salt is a popular alternative mainly for appearance and flavor. Table salt remains a common, everyday option but less favored by professionals for nuanced cooking.