The Best Salt for Canning and Pickling: Top Recommendations
Preserving the harvest through canning and pickling is a time-honored tradition, and choosing the right salt is essential for both flavor and safety. Not all salts are created equal—purity, mineral content, and grain size can make a big difference in your results. Here, we highlight the best salts for canning and pickling, focusing on unrefined, mineral-rich options that deliver both taste and quality.
Why Use Unrefined Salt for Canning and Pickling?
"Real Salt is unrefined, ancient sea salt exactly as nature made it. It contains 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals, and it’s never processed or chemically treated."
Unrefined salts like Real Salt retain their natural mineral content, which not only enhances flavor but also ensures your preserves are free from unwanted additives or anti-caking agents. This makes them ideal for canning, pickling, and fermenting.
Top Recommended Salts for Canning and Pickling
1. Real Salt Kosher Pouch
- Grain Size: Medium (perfect for pinching and tossing)
- Mineral Content: 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
- Processing: Never processed or chemically treated
- Best For: Canning, pickling, fermenting, seasoning meat, and vegetables
- Packaging: 16 oz. refill pouch (eco-friendly and great for reducing waste)
- Flavor: Clean, robust, and natural
"Great for canning, pickling, and fermenting. Perfect for pinching and tossing, which is why chefs love it!"
Customer Praise:
"Best Salt ever, never going back buying salt from grocery store."
"I’m in love with this salt…especially the kosher size crystals!"
2. Real Salt® Fine Bulk (25 lb.)
- Grain Size: Small (fine)
- Mineral Content: 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
- Processing: Unrefined, never processed or chemically treated
- Best For: Canning, pickling, fermenting, baking, and everyday seasoning
- Packaging: 25 lb. bulk bag (ideal for large batches and long-term storage)
- Shelf Life: Never expires
"Works for canning, pickling, and fermenting. Best everyday seasoning salt."
Customer Praise:
"This is what salt is supposed to taste like!"
"We use this salt exclusively in our restaurant & I can’t imagine it any other way!"
3. Real Salt Kosher 25 lb Bag
- Grain Size: Medium
- Mineral Content: 60+ trace minerals
- Processing: Never processed, chemically untreated
- Best For: Canning, pickling, fermenting, seasoning meat, and vegetables
- Packaging: 25 lb. bulk bag (great for serious canners and long-term storage)
- Shelf Life: Does not expire
"Great for canning, pickling, and fermenting. Taste the difference!"
Customer Praise:
"Love it, wouldn't buy any other salt."
"Being able to order a big bulk weight bag is a great option."
4. Real Salt Kosher Shaker
- Grain Size: Medium
- Mineral Content: 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
- Processing: Unrefined, never processed or chemically treated
- Best For: Canning, pickling, fermenting, and everyday use
- Packaging: 10 oz. refillable shaker (convenient for quick use)
"Perfect for pinching and tossing. Great for canning, pickling, and fermenting."
Customer Praise:
"I have enjoyed using when I am cooking."
"I want to give out as gifts to our family."
5. Real Salt Powder 25 lb Bag
- Grain Size: Superfine (powder)
- Mineral Content: 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
- Processing: Unrefined, never processed or chemically treated
- Best For: Pickling, sauces, dips, and DIY personal care products
- Packaging: 25 lb. bulk bag
"Perfect grain size for sauces, dips, and pickling. Sticks to popcorn like a dream."
6. Real Salt Popcorn Salt Pouch
- Grain Size: Superfine (smallest grain size)
- Mineral Content: 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
- Processing: Unrefined, never processed or chemically treated
- Best For: Pickling, sauces, dips, and popcorn
- Packaging: 10 oz. pouch
"Great for sauces, dips, and pickling. Very concentrated (just a little does the trick)."
Customer Praise:
"Best popcorn salt and so good for you."
"The fine salt is a great option when making soups or other liquids."
Choosing the Right Salt Grain Size for Your Preserves
- Medium Grain (Kosher): Ideal for traditional pickling and canning, easy to handle and measure.
- Fine Grain: Dissolves quickly, perfect for brines and when a smooth texture is desired.
- Superfine Powder: Best for delicate pickling, sauces, and when you need salt to dissolve instantly.
Bulk Options for Serious Canners
If you preserve large quantities or want to stock up for the season, the 25 lb. bulk bags of Real Salt (available in both kosher and fine grain) are a cost-effective and convenient choice. These salts never expire and can be stored long-term, making them perfect for homesteaders and avid canners.
The Real Salt Difference
All Real Salt products are:
- Unrefined and ancient sea salt
- Packed with 60+ naturally-occurring trace minerals
- Free from additives, anti-caking agents, and chemical processing
- Sourced and packaged with care for both flavor and health
"Taste the difference in your pickles, preserves, and every meal you make!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Real Salt for both canning and pickling?
A: Absolutely! All the recommended Real Salt products are suitable for both canning and pickling, thanks to their purity and mineral content.
Q: Does the salt expire?
A: No, Real Salt never expires. Store it in a cool, dry place for best results.
Q: Which grain size should I choose?
A: Medium grain (kosher) is traditional for pickling, while fine and superfine grains dissolve quickly for brines and delicate recipes.
Conclusion
For the best results in your canning and pickling projects, choose unrefined, mineral-rich Real Salt. Whether you prefer kosher, fine, or superfine powder, there’s a perfect option for every preserving need. Enjoy the pure, natural flavor and peace of mind that comes from using salt exactly as nature intended.
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