Cheese Salt For Home Cheese making – What Is It?

In this article we will explain the burning question of what is cheese salt?

The best part?

Why it is a must for home cheese making and it’s purpose during the making and aging of cheese.

That’s not all…

Why is it different to kosher salt and normal table salt.

On reading recipes for cheese making, you have probably noticed that salt is used quite a bit, both during the make and in the aging process. Now it’s time to find out what it actually is.

What is the Difference between Kosher Salt and Cheese Salt?

Kosher salt and cheese salt are actually the same thing, both non-iodized salts.

You might also have noticed that it is referred to as cheese salt, canning salt or kosher salt.

You might be familiar with the last two mentioned. But what is cheese salt?

Why Is Cheese Salt for home cheesemaking

What Is Cheese Salt?

Basically cheese salt is normally a flakey non-iodized salt. The salt is non-iodized because it has not had the chemical element iodine added.

The non-iodized part is the critical factor when it comes to cheese making. Salt in cheese not only helps to improve the flavour, but it also helps to preserve it.

What Is Cheese Salt
This is the one I use.

Why Can’t Cheese Salt Be Iodized?

Iodized salt though won’t help at all, as the iodine in the salt inhibits the cultures and bacteria’s you WANT in your cheese.

Rocks Vs Flakes

Rocks vs flakes vs grains, when it comes to cheese salt, is all about how quickly (or slowly) the salt is taken in and helps with the process of extracting whey, forming a rind and inhibiting the bad bacteria. Ideally if you can get flakes that is the preference but otherwise get the grains.

I would advise against buying rocks unless you are going to take them home and bash them up (for the cheese of course, not your stress relief) so they are more easily assimilated.

So, that’s all there really is, it’s just flakey non-iodized salt. Easy!

Below is the flaked cheese salt that I used. I have found that it works well.

What Is Cheese Salt

Do you have any questions or comments about home cheese making? Join the discussion over at the Curd Nerd Forum. We would love to hear from you!

Curd Nerd Forum

8 thoughts on “Cheese Salt For Home Cheese making – What Is It?

  • 17/03/2012 at 9:32 pm
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    On failure of the trial and error process of buying the right salt can you point me in the right direction with a brand name perhaps, as I have spent much time perusing the salt collection in Tesco and still not found any that stipulate non-iodized and as much as I enjoy looking like I have a fetish for salt I can think of a better way to spend my afternoon, so any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

    • 19/03/2012 at 10:41 pm
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      Hi Kevin

      I use a Himalayan pink salt here in New Zealand. I believe non iodized salt is sometimes also labeled as ‘plain salt’. Sorry, I am not aware of the brands available in the UK. I wasn’t making cheese during my time there so had no cause to go looking for it.

      One source I did find is http://www.naturalsaltseller.co.uk. They have non-iodised salt and may be worth a call.

      Good luck and thanks for your question : )

  • 25/07/2012 at 4:22 am
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    HELLO, CAN YOU TELL ME IF CITRUS ACID THAT YOU USE FOR MAKING CHEESE IS THE SAME CITRUS ACID THAT YOU USE IN CANNING FRUITS & VEGGIES? I HAVE CITRUS ACID FOR CANNING AND WAS JUST WONDERING IF I COULD USE IT FOR MAKING CHEESE . THANK YOU

    • 09/02/2013 at 4:32 pm
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      Hi Debora

      It is one and the same.

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  • 03/11/2012 at 12:26 pm
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    Hi I am from NZ and I want to try making my own mozzarella. My family normally uses Himalayan pink salt, would that be good to use? It is non iodized, also we have sea salt flakes which are also non-iodized. Would that work or should I buy specific cheese salt?

    • 17/11/2012 at 1:46 pm
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      Hi Grace

      Thanks for your question. The pink Himalayan salt is exactly what I use so yes, it’s fine to use.

      Cheese salt is non-iodized salt so you have the perfect ingredient : )

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