# Bad, bad, bad I'm mad at somebody on the Dope! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 18, 2024, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004 "2024-06-18T03:17:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/1 "2024-06-18T03:17:18Z")
Could it be you? I purchased, on some ones suggestion, can’t remember who, a box of salt. Salt flakes to be exact. You know “the perfect thing” for sliced tomatoes. To add that perfect finishing touch to a dish. A great accompaniment to any meal. The ultimate condiment. We have scads of tomatoes. So I break out the uber-pricey salt flakes. I swear, in the dish, in less than 10 minutes they were so stuck together as to be unusable. Threw those out. Sounded like dollar bills going in the trash. Unzipped the bag liner inside the box and got more out to sprinkle (well, splat) on my tomato slices. And zippered the bag promptly and put it inside another. Ate my tomatoes. Hey, guess what? The salt burned my mouth. Yes, burnt! I say. Worse than hot sauce! That was a bust. You stand up and admit it. You, Doper that steered me wrong. I need to have a word with you! ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/2 "2024-06-18T03:23:48Z")
🍅🧂 Not me. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/3 "2024-06-18T03:50:47Z")
I don’t think it was me but I am wondering at your reaction to the salt. I mean, salt is salt. NaCl. It can be in different shapes and sizes but it is always just salt so I can’t see having the reaction you did to it (no doubt you did, I just wonder why?). Was there something extra in the salt you bought? Minerals or something else? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/4 "2024-06-18T04:01:05Z")
Nope. It’s just salt. Just in flakes instead of granules. That was the first thing I thought. I think the burn was from it staying unmelted in my mouth longer. Would have tasted great without the burn. I’m not really mad at anyone, thought maybe I’m doing something wrong. Like maybe I used too much or you’re supposed to put it on the slice or food and use the back of your spoon and rub it around. I don’t know… ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/5 "2024-06-18T04:32:27Z")
I’m not sure which salt you got but it is worth nothing that different flaky salts can vary in their saltiness (due to how it is produced…they are all still salt but some are more salty than others). Morton kosher salt tends to be very salty. Diamond kosher salt noticeably less so. Also, flaky salts should be used sparingly (except when seasoning a steak or other meat). A tiny bit on a cookie or tomato for example. Adds some texture and a little crunch in addition to the saltiness which makes sweet things taste better (just a little salt though). Maybe try the tomatoes again but sprinkle only a tiny bit on. Then increase till you get the ideal amount. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/6 "2024-06-18T05:08:05Z")
Oh. Thank you I figured I was doing something wrong. Do you know why they sucked up moisture so fast? It is very humid here in the south. And how should I store it safely? ETA it’s Amorcito Corazon. Sea salt flakes. No additives. Hand picked. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/7 "2024-06-18T05:12:10Z")
Not me. I never heard of the stuff. The only salt I buy that is different from plain old iodized table salt is kosher salt, which I use for salting water for cooking pasta. Not sure if it really makes much difference, but it can’t hurt. Sorry about your bad experience. I’m innocent! ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/8 "2024-06-18T05:13:31Z")
Normal table salt often (not always) has anti-caking agents in it to prevent clumping. That is much less likely in flaky salt so, it will clump more easily. Storage is anything that keeps it dry and not exposed to humidity (well sealed from outside air). Also, kosher salt does not have iodine in it which some say affects flavor. So, many prefer kosher salt because it doesn’t usually have that extra stuff in it but that requires a little more care when storing it. Also note, when cooking, using kosher salt versus table salt requires conversion to get the right amount. Due to its different shape less kosher salt will fit into a teaspoon than table salt (think the difference between filling a pale with sand versus pebbles versus stones). Morton has a [convenient table for this.](https://www.mortonsalt.com/article/salt-conversion-chart/) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/9 "2024-06-18T05:16:51Z")
Got it. I think it’s good in zip lock, for now. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/10 "2024-06-18T05:22:11Z")
We have a convenient salt rule here. I taste it. My kitchen, my rules. But I get you. I’ll show everyone who cooks here the table ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/11 "2024-06-18T05:26:10Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > We have a convenient salt rule here. I taste it. That really is the best way to cook I think (although I like a measurement to get me in the ballpark). Except for baking. I am not a very good baker but I do it enough to know that it is part art and part science and often there is no tasting. Mix the ingredients, put in oven, magical alchemy happens and something comes out. Getting the correct measurements can be really important for a reliable outcome. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/12 "2024-06-18T11:51:36Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Hand picked. Sint Maarten has a traffic circle with a statue recognizing the salt pickers who were there in the very early days. I’d be shocked to see a similar statue in the US south recognizing the cotton pickers, but they’re pretty similar histories. > **[Salt Pickers Monument | | Alluring World](https://www.alluringworld.com/salt-pickers-monument/)** > > The Salt Pickers Monument, also known as Salt Pickers Roundabout or simply as Salt Pickers, is a bronze memorial that is dedicated to the people who were used to exploit salt deposits, and it is located on a roundabout in Philipsburg, the capital... ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/13 "2024-06-18T12:09:30Z")
Was it me, or was it mixdenny? ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/14 "2024-06-18T12:11:31Z")
Here in Florida, we put uncooked rice into the salt shakers along with the salt. If we didn’t it would probably turn into one clump because of the humidity. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/15 "2024-06-18T13:59:21Z")
I’m probably gonna need to do that. In some way. I don’t usually have shakers for table salt. I have little jars with tiny scoops. And this salt I’m discussing is very course flakes. Not quite as large as a grain of rice. A shaker wouldn’t work. When I put it on the table I put some in a salt dish(that’s a tiny plate I never thought I’d use, ever. Thanks Granny). I have a jar with flip top gasketed lid. Bigger than a quart. Think I’ll put the salt in it and some rice in a tea ball. Maybe. (Yep, I have that much of it) For table service? I haven’t figured out that yet. ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/16 "2024-06-18T14:04:45Z")
You can always re-crush it with a rolling pin in a Zip-Loc instead of tossing dollar bills in the trash… Serving from a salt bowl (pig) allows you to do the same with the spoon. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/17 "2024-06-18T14:43:22Z")
Yeah, I could crush it, grind it, hit it with a mallet. But…I was _told_ salt flakes are just the thing I need to be getting the best flavor of salt on my 'mater slices. Just **the** thing. My error in judgement in buying too much I’ll cop to. The correct usage of said salt and lack of info on how it’s kept. Plus the fact no one told me salt burns your mouth I blame on _another_ so-called expert. Just who are you? Stand up and and admit it.😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/18 "2024-06-18T14:44:02Z")
I am Spartacus. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/19 "2024-06-18T14:47:47Z")
My pig’s in the cellar. 🤭 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004/20 "2024-06-18T15:04:34Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > When I put it on the table I put some in a salt dish(that’s a tiny plate I never thought I’d use, ever. Thanks Granny). You are describing a salt cellar. They are the classy way to use salt at the table. > **[Salt cellar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_cellar)** > > A salt cellar (also called a salt, salt-box) is an article of tableware for holding and dispensing salt. In British English, the term can be used for what in North American English are called salt shakers. Salt cellars can be either lidded or open, and are found in a wide range of sizes, from large shared vessels to small individual dishes. Styles range from simple to ornate or whimsical, using materials including glass and ceramic, metals, ivory and wood, and plastic. > Use of salt cellars is doc... [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-im-mad-at-somebody-on-the-dope/1003004.md?page=2)