A number of food experts, however, recommend using a pepper mill in place of a shaker containing pepper of dubious freshness and quality. Some even suggest using a salt mill containing sea salt crystals instead of a shaker.
While this method may not make an individual a hero at his local fast food joint or greasy spoon, it does provide an elegant answer to the shaker debate. In short, if there are no other indications for the appropriate spice such as labels, initials or color cues, then people should feel free to put whichever spice they prefer in the shaker with the most holes.
If they are not happy with the flow, then they can make a switch. As long the people who are using the shakers know which is which, then all should be right with the world, seasonally speaking.
A regular DelightedCooking contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ. Michael Pollick. Please enter the following code:. This guide reviews the types of shakers you can find while shopping and factors to consider before making your selection.
This list of top picks is a good place to start your search for the best salt and pepper shakers for your home. So many salt and pepper shakers are on the market that choosing a set may soon overwhelm the most dedicated shopper. Before purchasing a set, consider the material, size, and capacity; and, of course, style is a factor as well. Some home chefs want plain, utilitarian shakers, while others favor salt-and-pepper sets that match their kitchen decor.
Salt and pepper shakers are often made of glass, stainless steel, and ceramic because these materials are durable, easy to clean, and attractive. Ceramic and glass shakers are not ideal for households with young children, however, because they can break if dropped. Most salt and pepper shakers range from 1.
The glass silver-top shakers often found in restaurants hold about 2 ounces of salt or pepper, while most home salt and pepper sets hold a total of 3 to 8 ounces of seasoning. Small salt and pepper shakers are ideal for compact kitchens and picnic baskets.
Larger shakers are often used by those who prefer less frequent refilling. Salt and pepper shakers usually come in two-piece sets, with a dedicated shaker for each. A set of combination or two-in-one shakers is a single kitchen tool with two connected storage canisters and a shaker opening on both ends with a cover.
Combination shakers reduce clutter and make seasoning easier. Salt and pepper shaker holders keep both shakers together in one neat place. A holder can be made from stainless steel, wood, silicone, or plastic.
Handy in households with children, holders also can help prevent salt and pepper from being knocked over. The best part of choosing a new salt and pepper shaker is finding an attractive style. Salt and pepper shakers are available in fun, wacky shapes and styles and even characters.
Wars were fought over it. Books have been written about it. Its ability as a flavor enhancer was universally recognized. Salt was even used as currency. Over the years, countries, culture, medical theories, and health all factored into the shaker debate.
Fifty years ago, when high schoolers attended football camps for 10 days in mid-August, they were given salt tablets to replenish what was lost during the workouts, similar to those who worked outdoors in the extreme heat. This led to one theory on the shaker holes argument: Salt was necessary to sustain human life; therefore, people tended to use more of it—hence it went in the shaker with the most holes. In the past few years, however, in this country especially, that tide has turned: Excessive salt was deemed unhealthy, so it was relegated to the shaker with the fewest holes.
Because oversalting food can be problematic, fewer holes can be helpful. Or because salt pours more quickly than pepper, fewer holes makes sense.
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