Himalayan Salt Blocks – The Worktop Cooking Accessory
The modern kitchen is full of high-tech gadgetry that is designed to make cooking and preparing food easier, from appliances that work with your smartphone or tablet to boiling water taps, there is seemingly a gadget for every possible job. However, one of the current popular cooking accessories is as low-tech as they come: the Himalayan salt block. This article will look into what the latest must-have kitchen accessory is, and how it can help you.What is it?A Himalayan salt block is exactly what its name suggests: a salt block. Made from Himalayan pink salt, the block exudes a rose-coloured hue that makes it pleasing on the eye as well as useful in the kitchen.How do I choose one?Choosing your salt block requires a number of different criteria. It is important that the salt blocks that are used for cooking are at least 1.5 inches thick, so they can better withstand the fierce temperatures required for cooking on them. If you are using a block for serving, for example, this thickness and strength is not as important. Something to remember is that when heated, the block will take on an opaque colouring, so the colour of the block is likely to change when it is in use. How do I use it?Using a Himalayan salt block for cooking could not be simpler. Simply place the block on the hob, on low heat initially, and warm it for 20 minutes. After this, turn the heat to a medium level for another 20 minutes, and then finally another 20 minutes on a high setting. You can test whether or not the block is ready to use by sprinkling water on it; if the water sizzles and evaporates, then the block is hot enough. The temperature of the block needs to be a whopping 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure not to touch it!Once the block is at the correct temperature, you can start cooking. Simply place a slab of steak, for example, on the block and let the Himalayan salt do the work. For thin slices of steak, you need to heat each side for 1-2 minutes per side, increasing to 4-5 minutes for thicker slices. Thanks to the extreme heat of the block, the food can be ready in minutes.When your food is ready and has been taken off the block, the block itself will need cleaning. First, you must let it cool for an hour, so turn off the heat on the hob. Once it is cool to the touch, simply scrub the block with a wet sponge or scouring pad (no soap) until all food matter has been removed, and the block looks clean and fresh.BenefitsThe benefits of using a Himalayan salt block in your cooking are plentiful, and not least the massively reduced cooking time that the block provides. The natural salts in the block mean that they can enhance the flavour of your food without overpowering it, meaning your dishes have a unique flavour to them. The easy-clean surface means there is no need for washing up liquid, and each block can soak up some of the colouring from the food, as well as taking marks from cutting, etc. While this may not seem like a benefit, it means that you will have an absolutely unique cooking block without compromising on its effectiveness.At Touchstone Worktops, we are proud to provide a wide range of granite and quartz worktops from the world’s leading manufacturers. If you would like to know more about our worktops or our service, please feel free to speak to our friendly team today. Picture source: Flickr
