Kala Namak
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Kala Namak (Nepali Birae Nun (बिरे नुन) ; Hindi काला नमक kala namak), also known as black salt or black Indian salt, is a salty and pungent smelling condiment mined in India. The condiment is a type of volcanic halite, a mineral composed largely of sodium chloride, with several impurities thus lending the salt its colour and smell. The primary impurity, and source of kala namak's odouriforous nature is due to sodium sulfide [1]. Due to mineral impurities in the mineral, it is is brownish pink to black color stone when whole and ground into a powder, it is light purple to pink in color.[2][3]
This condiments is used in India and is used extensively in Indian cuisine as a condiment or added to chaats, chutneys, raitas and many other savory Indian snacks. Chaat masala, an Indian spice blend, is dependent upon black salt for its characteristic sulfurous aroma.[3]
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[edit] Uses
Kala Namak is considered a cooling spice in ayurvedic medicine and is used as a laxative and digestive aid. It is also believed to relieve intestinal gas and heartburn. Kala Namak is appreciated by vegans in dishes that mimic the taste of eggs. It is used, for example, to spice tofu to mimic an egg salad.
[edit] References
- ^ Ali, Z. A. (August 1 1999), "Folk veterinary medicine in Moradabad District (Uttar Pradesh), India", Fitoterapia 70 (4): 340-347, ISSN 0367-326X
- ^ http://www.soo.co.in/blacksalt.htm
- ^ a b Moorjani, Lachu (2005), Ajanta:Regional feast of India, Gibbs Smith, pp. 22, ISBN 978-1586857776
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[edit] See also
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