Salt in... or Salt on?

[Tesha]

I prefer to add my salt just before eating. I get a very different experience that way, instead of the item being salty, I get the little bursts of salt. I find I use less and enjoy it more.

So I was listening to a guy on a talk show saying he preferred it too, and explained it as like a pretzel - the salt crystals made the experience very different for him.

Anyone else experience this?

[Arkansas Granny]

1. I go for salt in, but not very much. I don't like a lot of salt and rarely

salt anything after cooking.

[The empressof all]

2. It really depends on what I'm eating.

There are some foods that really benefit from salting throughout the cooking process. A roast chicken, for example IMO is dramatically changed with a liberal salting in the cavity and out prior to cooking. The same would go for most soups and stews.

You're right a soft pretzel really needs those salt crystals on top. But if you didn't add some salt to the dough your pretzel wouldn't come out "right" either. One is not a substitute for another. Sometimes you need the salt in. Sometimes you need the salt out. ---Sometimes you need both. :shrug:

[Tesha]

5. roast chicken get salt before cooking

You're right... after would be a poor substitute

[Stinky The Clown]

3. Your point is well taken .... but for me it depends on the dish/item

Your pretzel example is a good one. Surface salt does, in fact, make a difference.

I don't like putting salt on ..... soup. Or macaroni. Or any wet, complex item.

Salt on a steak I add before grilling. Much of it sticks and it flavors the crust. I rarely add it later.

[Tesha]

6. on a caserole?

I always like the taste of sprinkled-on salt - like mac & cheese? I always add a salt/crisp layer with crackers or cheese...

[Lucinda]

4. Both, in most cases. But if I had to choose one, it would be in.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

7. Some things just demand to be salted after

I salt my pizza just before diving in.

I salt my marinara sauce as it's simmering.

I salt my tuna sandwiches when they're assembled.

I never salt a shrimp dish - the shrimp have enough of a salty taste for me.

It depends, I guess. I have a light hand with salt in either instance.