How to Use Finishing Salt Like a Chef

Use salt with intention — and just a little restraint — and you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

At Kona Sea Salt, we believe great cooking doesn’t require complexity — just intention. And nothing brings intention to the plate quite like finishing salt. Whether you're serving grilled steak, roasted vegetables, or even chocolate chip cookies, adding salt at the end of cooking can transform the flavor, texture, and experience of a dish.

But how do chefs do it? The answer is simple: they use the right salt — and they use it sparingly.

“You can’t un-salt food, so go easy. Use a high-quality salt, but sparingly — you can always add more. The last thing you put on your food is the first thing you taste. Salt doesn’t make food saltier — it enhances flavor.”
— Chef Norman Berg

What Is Finishing Salt?

Finishing salt is a pure, high-quality salt (such as our Medium Grind Sea Salt) added just before serving. Unlike regular table salt, it’s less processed, naturally mineral-rich, and chosen for its texture and complexity.

At Kona Salt Farm, we harvest our salts from deep ocean water 2,200 feet below the surface, mineral rich and pristine, then slowly solar evaporate it under the Hawaiian sun. The result? Beautiful flake crystals that reflect the ocean they came from — both in taste and story.

5 Ways to Use Finishing Salt Like a Chef

1. On Meats Right Before Serving

Whether it’s steak, chicken, or tofu, a pinch of flake salt just before plating draws out savory depth and adds satisfying crunch.

Pro tip: Sprinkle from 10–12 inches above the plate to distribute evenly and beautifully.

2. Over Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

Salt added at the end keeps veggies vibrant and sweet. Try it on:

• Grilled zucchini
• Roasted carrots
• Fire-charred eggplant

3. On Fresh Produce & Salads

A little finishing salt elevates raw ingredients like avocado, heirloom tomatoes, or fresh greens — highlighting their natural flavor without overpowering them.

Try our Farm Herb Salt for a flavorful twist.

4. To Finish Baked Goods

Yes, salt on dessert. Just a light touch on:

• Fudgy brownies
• Salted caramel cookies
• Chocolate bark
  ...adds a crisp edge and a contrast that makes sweets even more addictive.

5. Cocktails, Snacks & Garnishes

Use flavored salts like Kiawe Smoked or Hot Hawaiian Chili to rim cocktail glasses, finish deviled eggs, or sprinkle on popcorn and roasted nuts. It's the little things that make your guests say wow.

Salt with Intention

Here’s how our finishing salts stack up:

Kona Salt	Ideal Uses	Flavor Profile
Classic Flake	Universal finisher	Clean, mineral-bright
Kiawe Smoked	Meats, cocktails	Rich, earthy, Hawaiian hardwood
Farm Herb	Vegetables, salads	Savory
Lemon Rosemary	Seafood, chicken	Bright, citrusy

Final Word: Let Salt Tell the Story

When you finish a dish with salt, you’re not just seasoning — you’re setting the tone for the entire experience. The last thing you add is the first thing someone tastes, and it should speak of care, quality, and place.

At Kona Salt Farm, we hand-harvest salt that carries the story of deep ocean water, Hawaiian sun, and a commitment to sustainability. Again, use it with intention — and just a little restraint — and you’ll taste the difference in every bite.