How long does a Himalayan salt block last
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does a Himalayan salt block last” with an in-depth analysis of the lifespan of the Himalayan salt block. Moreover, we are going to discuss the way to properly use the Himalayan salt block and things to consider before cooking on the Himalayan salt block.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does a Himalayan salt block last?
Himalayan salt has no expiration date and can last for an indefinite amount of time. However, you need to make sure that the salt is kept away from moisture under all circumstances because salt dissolves in water. For best results, wrap the block in plastic to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Discover How to store salt block?
How long does a salt block last?
Salt blocks can last for an indefinite period of time if they are stored properly and kept away from moisture. For best results, cover the salt block with a plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
What are the uses of the Himalayan salt block?
You can use the Himalayan salt block for cooking, grilling, and serving food.
How to use Himalayan salt block?
- Firstly make sure that your Himalayan salt block does not have any additional moisture present on it. So make sure that it is totally dry.
- Heat the block slowly in the oven by increasing the temperature to no more than 200℉ (93℃) every 15 minutes.
- You can also try to preheat the oven on the grill or the stove before putting it in the oven for some extra safety.
- It is better not to cook too many greasy foods on the block as it can considerably shorten the life of the Himalayan salt block.
You can read more about cooking on the Himalayan salt block here.
What are the important things to consider before cooking on the Himalayan salt block?
Slowly heat them
It is always advised to heat the Himalayan salt block slowly to prevent the salt block explosion. So it is better that you opt for heating the Himalayan salt block with a rise of temperature that is no more than 200℉ (93℃) every 15 minutes.
A big no for greasy food
You should not add excess oil or water to the foods that you cook on the Himalayan salt block as the water and oil can leach in the fissures and cracks of the Himalayan salt block and will shorten its lifespan. Moreover, the water that gets into the cracks of the Himalayan salt block can also play a role in exploding the block. it is always recommended to heat the salt block slowly. So when the water in the cracks of the salt will heat up fast it can cause the block to explode.
Cracks and fissures
It is normal for the Himalayan salt block to have cracks and fissures in it so you don’t have to worry much about it.
Washing the block
As water can dissolve salt therefore if you wash your Himalayan salt block, part of it can dissolve in water. Therefore it is recommended to clean it with a damp cloth rather than putting it under the running tap water.
Different taste profile
Himalayan salt blocks are not that many pros and they do not retain much moisture. As they are low in sodium content as compared to that of the refined salt and contain approximately 84 trace minerals, therefore, the food that you cook on the Himalayan salt block can taste a bit different than the one you cook in the frying pan with the regular refined salt.
Heat retaining ability
Himalayan salt block tends to retain heat for a very long time therefore it is not recommended to touch the Himalayan salt block after you are done cooking on it. If you touch the hot Himalayan salt block there are great chances that you will get a burn from it.
Other FAQs about Salt which you may be interested in.
Why does salt make everything taste better?
What Is Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan salt has approximately the same chemical composition as that of regular salt. The sodium content of the pink Himalayan salt is less than that of the refined salt. According to USDA, there is 388 mg of sodium in ¼ tsp of pink Himalayan salt while ¼ tsp of regular table salt has 581 mg of sodium present in it. The only difference is that the regular salt has a higher concentration of sodium in it as compared to the pink Himalayan salt. The pink Himalayan salt has 98% sodium chloride present in its formulation.
Himalayan salt contains 84 essential minerals compared to the regular salt that has 72 essential minerals present in it in trace amounts. Apart from the sodium chloride, the rest of the Himalayan pink salt has minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium present in it and it is because of these minerals that the Himalayan salt has a pink color. The compound that is mostly responsible for the pink hues in the pink Himalayan salt is iron oxide.
Himalayan pink salt is not only hand-mined but also crushed and ground with hand. Therefore it is safe to say that the pink Himalayan salt is more natural as compared to that of the refined salt.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does a Himalayan salt block last” with an in-depth analysis of the lifespan of the Himalayan salt block. Moreover, we discussed the way to properly use the Himalayan salt block and things to consider before cooking on the Himalayan salt block.
