Is Salt a Spice?
No, salt is not a spice.
While salt is frequently used in cooking alongside spices and enhances the flavor of dishes, its fundamental composition differs significantly. Several sources confirm this distinction:
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Mineral vs. Plant Origin: Spices and herbs are derived from plants, encompassing various parts like roots, bark, seeds, and leaves. Salt, conversely, is a mineral—sodium chloride (NaCl)—extracted from natural sources like seawater or underground deposits. (Herbs and spices are obtained from plants. (Salt is neither a spice nor an herb. It is actually a mineral.)) (The answer is no, salt is not a spice or herb since both of which are obtained from plants. Salt is a worldwide popular seasoning, yet it is not a spice.) (Salt is technically a mineral; check the periodic table. Spices are organic and provide aroma and taste to cooking and they have healthful benefits.)
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Flavor Enhancement vs. Flavor Profile: Spices contribute distinct aroma and flavor profiles to food. Salt primarily enhances existing flavors and balances the overall taste of a dish. (Herbs and spices are used primarily for adding flavor and aroma to food.) (Salt can be a seasoning or a flavoring, depending on its use in a particular dish. Salt is most frequently used to enhance the flavor of a dish.)
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Common Usage: Although often used together, salt's primary function differs from that of spices. It's more accurately categorized as a seasoning. (Generally salt is considered a seasoning, not a spice. Spices are roots,bark,seeds, etc. Herbs are the green leafy parts. Seasonings are other…)
While some blends, like seasoned salt (https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/237461/homemade-seasoned-salt/), combine salt with spices, this doesn't change salt's fundamental classification.
