Kala namak

Appears in
Dip In Brilliant: An Indian Recipe Adventure with a Contemporary Twist

By Dipna Anand

Published 2018

  • About
Indian black salt or kala namak is an Indian volcanic rock salt. It is commonly used in India and Pakistan. It starts off as Himalayan pink salt and is then heated to high temperatures and mixed with Indian spices and herbs including the seeds of the harad fruit which contains sulphur. It contains trace impurities of sulfates, sulphides, iron and magnesium which all contribute to the salt’s colour, smell and taste. Kala namak is often used in many Indian street food recipes and it is also a key ingredient in the making of the pani puri dish which is served with the famous tamarind water. Research suggests kala namak helps to improve stomach irritation, constipation and the general appearance of skin.