The Benefits of Using a Redmond Salt Block with Garlic

The Benefits of Using a Redmond Salt Block with Garlic

A Redmond salt block is a unique way to add flavor and nutrients to your cooking. These salt blocks are mined from ancient sea salt deposits in Utah. They contain over 60 naturally occurring trace minerals. When heated, the salt block releases these minerals onto your food.

One of the best things to cook on a Redmond salt block is garlic. The salt block enhances and deepens the flavors of garlic wonderfully. Read on to learn all about cooking with a Redmond salt block with garlic.

What is a Redmond Salt Block?

Redmond salt blocks are slabs of rock salt sourced from central Utah. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These salt blocks have an incredible mineral content. They contain over 60 trace minerals including iodine, magnesium, selenium, zinc, iron, and copper.

The mineral content gives Redmond salt blocks their light pink hue. It also provides the superior flavor. These salt blocks have an unrefined texture and appearance. Small moisture pockets, striations, and color variations are natural. They showcase the ancient sea salt deposits the blocks come from.

Redmond salt blocks can be chilled or heated to extremes without cracking. Their unique properties make them perfect for cooking, chilling, and serving food. The salt blocks will impart a light salty flavor along with minerals. They also draw out moisture and deeply concentrate flavors.

Cooking Garlic on a Redmond Salt Block

One of the absolute best things to cook on a Redmond salt block is garlic. The salt block’s mineral content beautifully enhances garlic’s flavors. It also deepens and mellows pungent flavors.

Roasting garlic cloves or bulbs whole on the salt block is easy. Simply place peeled garlic cloves or a halved garlic bulb cut-side down onto the preheated salt block. Roast to perfection!

The salt block concentrates garlic’s sweet and savory flavors remarkably. It mellows bitterness and pungency too. The minerals infuse the garlic, offering even more nutrient benefits.

You can also rub raw garlic cloves on the salt block to instantly mellow their flavors. The salt block tames garlic’s bite beautifully. Plus, it leaves just enough flavor for cooking savory dishes.

Another easy way to incorporate garlic is to rub the salt block with raw garlic cloves before cooking. As the block heats, it will impart wonderful garlic notes to anything else cooked on it.

Choosing a Redmond Salt Block

Redmond offers salt blocks in a variety of shapes, sizes, and weights. Small blocks work wonderfully for individual servings. Large rectangular blocks allow plenty of cooking space for proteins and vegetables.

If choosing a salt block for the first time, opt for a medium block that’s at least .5 to 1 inch thick. Thicker blocks hold heat better. They’re also more durable for repeated heating and cooling.

Consider what you want to cook too. Delicate proteins and vegetables do well on smaller blocks around 9 inches square. Larger roasts or bone-in proteins need bigger blocks - 11 inches square or larger.

Seasoning a New Salt Block

Brand new salt blocks must be water seasoned before cooking on. This helps stabilize the block and prevents damage from thermal shock.

To water season, fully immerse the block in water for 24 hours. Remove it and let it air dry completely. This allows excess moisture to evaporate.

Next, slowly bring up the temperature of the block. Starting on low heat, bake it in the oven. Increase temperatures gradually over 2 hours until reaching 400°F. Allow it to cool down slowly afterward.

Once water seasoned, food season your salt block with oil. This creates a nonstick coating for easier cooking. Pour a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil onto the block and rub it in evenly with a paper towel.

Heat the block slowly just until the oil starts smoking. Then allow it to cool completely. Repeat oiling and heating several times until the block develops an amber hue. It’s then ready for garlic and other tasty foods!

Heating and Using Your Salt Block

Always heat salt blocks slowly to prevent cracks from thermal shocks. Thinner blocks under 2 inches thick should use low or medium low heat. Place them over a burner on the stove. Flip occasionally while preheating.

Thicker blocks over 2 inches can handle higher heats. Still, medium heat is best to start. Place them as close to the heat source as possible in the oven. Allow at least 45 minutes for larger blocks to fully preheat.

If chilling, do not put hot blocks directly in the freezer. Let them come completely to room temperature first. To prevent humidity damage, store blocks in sealed bags in the pantry.

Before serving, quickly rinse foods cooked on the salt block and pat dry. This prevents excess salt from transferring.

To clean after cooking, simply rinse under warm water while rubbing gently with a soft brush or sponge. Avoid soap, as it can seep into porous areas.

Cooking Safely with Salt Blocks

Salt blocks do require some safety precautions. Always place blocks on a completely heatproof, waterproof surface during cooking.

Use sturdy potholders to move hot blocks, as they conduct heat well. Let blocks cool completely before moving to prevent cracking.

Take care when adding liquids like marinades or oils onto heated blocks. Flare ups can occur.

Don’t cut foods directly on the salt block. Instead, transfer them once cooked. Cutting releases juices that get trapped in the porous salt, which can later spoil.

The Benefits of Cooking with a Redmond Salt Block

Cooking with a Redmond salt block offers some exceptional nutritional advantages. As the blocks heat up, they release beneficial trace minerals. These infuse into food for better nutrient absorption.

Salt blocks also draw out moisture as they cook. This concentration effect creates intensified, mouthwatering flavors. Meats cooked on the blocks become remarkably tender.

The minerals in Redmond blocks offer unique health perks too. Iron transports oxygen and boosts energy. Iodine regulates growth and metabolism. Zinc supports immunity and wound healing.

The 60+ trace minerals in Redmond salt blocks even offer a safer sodium alternative. That’s because they contain unrefined, balanced sodium and minerals.

Enhancing Garlic’s Benefits

Garlic offers some amazing health benefits - including cancer prevention, heart health, and immune support. Cooking it on a Redmond salt block enhances these advantages even further.

As garlic roasts on the heated block, it absorbs essential trace minerals. Bioavailable minerals improve nutrient absorption. This allows the body to better utilize garlic’s existing health benefits.

The salt block also reduces bitter, pungent notes in garlic while concentrating its sweetness. That makes garlic easier to add to more dishes so you can reap its wellness perks regularly.

Garlic becomes much gentler on the stomach once mellowed on a salt block too. So those with digestive sensitivity can also enjoy its antiviral, antibacterial goodness.

Trying More Foods on a Salt Block

One of the best parts of cooking on a Redmond salt block is experimenting with different ingredients. Almost any food pairs deliciously with these mineral-rich bricks.

Dense, thin pieces of protein like steak, shrimp, scallops, chicken, and fish taste incredible with a salt block crust. The blocks also make vegetables like onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and asparagus shine.

Softer or crumbly cheeses melt wonderfully across the preheated blocks. Firm cheeses can be served chilled or at room temperature on the salt too.

One tip: lightly oil or mist the blocks first when cooking delicate breads, fruits, eggs, pancakes, or crepes. This prevents excessive sticking.

Salt Block Recipe Ideas

Here are just a few recipe ideas that are delicious made on a Redmond salt block:

• Pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes and garlic
• Salt block tacos with lime shrimp and grilled onions
• Salt crust pork tenderloin with charred Brussels sprouts
• Spicy ribeye steaks with roasted garlic butter
• Cedar plank salmon topped with garlicky dill aioli

You can also use salt blocks in unique ways beyond cooking. Chill blocks to serve sashimi, oysters, ceviche, or gelato. Use larger blocks as dramatic drink ice cubes too.

Where to Buy a Redmond Salt Block

You can purchase Redmond salt blocks at quality kitchen supply stores or online retailers. Prices range from $15 to $50 depending on size.

Choose reputable sellers with plenty of positive reviews. Be wary of major online marketplaces. Knock off or lower grade blocks are common.

For guaranteed authenticity, order directly from Redmond through their website or Amazon store. This ensures you’re getting genuine salt blocks that live up to their mineral rich reputation.

Discover the joys of garlic and more with a Redmond salt block.

Cooking on a Redmond salt block offers exceptional flavor and nutrition. Garlic and other foods shine when prepared on these salty slabs.

The mineral infusion provides health advantages beyond standard cooking. Redmond salt blocks offer the safest salt alternative too - with 60+ balanced trace minerals.

Experiment with various easy recipes on the blocks at home. Find new favorite flavors while boosting nutrients all in one.

FAQs

How do you prepare a new salt block before first use?

New salt blocks must be water seasoned by fully immersing in water for 24 hours first. After, heat it slowly in the oven up to 400°F to stabilize it before cooking.

What oil is best for seasoning a salt block?

Use a high smoke point oil like avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil. Rub it onto the block and heat slowly until smoking. Repeat for an amber patina before cooking.

Is it safe to cut foods directly on the salt block?

No, avoid cutting foods on the block itself as juices can pool in porous cracks, turning rancid over time. Instead, transfer cooked items before slicing.

How do you clean a used salt block?

Rinse salt blocks in warm water while gently scrubbing with a soft sponge or brush to remove debris. Avoid using soaps which can seep into the block.

Can salt blocks crack from thermal shock?

Yes, rapid temperature changes can damage salt blocks. Always preheat blocks slowly and allow them to fully cool before moving or adding liquids.