Why is salt sometimes ingredient of otherwise sweet cookies?

Question

In some recipes for muffins, biscuits or cakes I find small amounts of salt as an ingredient (Chocolate cake, Banana muffin). Why? What can a pinch of salt add to the bowl of chocolate?

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 09 '13 at 12:15

Great question. the salt is not there for the taste of salt. A pinch of salt helps with the ionization process so your taste buds can pick up the tsate of the chocolate, ice cream, etc, better.

I think this was discussed in an episode of Alton Brown's Good Eats as well.

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 09 '13 at 19:19

2

It enhances the flavour of the chocolate, vinegar is used in a similar way when added to cream sauces and mousses. We use vinegar to bring out the flavour of aubergine in our mushroom and aubergine sauce. Worth a try! :)

answered Mar 09 '13 at 19:19

ferdiesfoodlab

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Why is salt sometimes ingredient of otherwise sweet cookies?

2 Answers2