The Forktionary Angle
"The Invisible Ingredient: Unlocking Flavor and Texture with Salt Water"
Definition
Water containing dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride, commonly used in cooking for brining, boiling, and seasoning.
Flavor Profile
The primary flavor notes for Salt Water are:
Chef’s Secret
When boiling pasta, make the water taste like the ocean (generously salty) before adding pasta. This seasons the pasta from the inside out and enhances its flavor significantly.
Best Substitutes
Plain Water
Broth/Stock
Buying Guide
Create your own using filtered water and good quality salt (kosher, sea salt) to control salinity. Avoid heavily iodized table salt for some applications.