So, What Is Kala Namak?
Kala Namak (aka ‘Indian black salt’) is a must-have in your pantry, especially if you decide to ditch eggs from your diet. Its unusual colour comes from the presence of tiny amounts of iron and other minerals. Kala Namak is rich in iron and said to provide a boost to the digestive system.
Used widely in South Asia, India and Pakistan, Kala Namak is an Indian volcanic rock salt with a very pungent ‘eggy’ smell (caused by the sulphur compounds). Once added to cooking the aroma disappears but you will notice a savoury taste similar to that of hard-boiled egg yolks. ‘Black salt’ tends to have less sodium than table salt so it can be helpful for people with high blood pressure or those on low-salt diets.
According to India’s classical medical science, Ayurveda, ‘black salt’ is full of therapeutic benefits (has a laxative effect, assist in digestive issues, improves poor eyesight, can cure flatulence and heartburn, relives arthritic problems, helps with impotency issues).
‘Black salt’ has also been touted to work wonders in skincare. Adding Kala Namak to your bath water may help heal cracked, swollen feet, athlete’s foot, warts and sprains. It may also encourage hair growth, improved sheen and lustre.
Use Kala Namak in:
- Any eggless recipes (eggless omelette, quiche, tofu scramble)
- Chutneys & pickles
- Savoury Indian dishes
Kala Namak is sometimes difficult to find but can often be obtained at your local health store or alternatively can be ordered online.
