crystals, are the densest salts, and take the longest to dissolve Standard table salt is often supplemented with additives, as much as 2% of the total weight, that prevent the crystal surfaces from absorbing moisture and sticking to each other These additives include aluminum and silicon compounds of sodium and calcium, silicon dioxide — the material of glass and ceramics (p 788) — and magnesium carbonate Other compounds called humectants may be added to keep these additives from excessive drying and caking Most anticaking additives not dissolve as readily as salt, and cloud the brines for pickled vegetables, so specialized pickling salts omit them These additives may also contribute slight undesirable tastes of their own Iodized Salt Many granulated table salts and some sea salts are fortified with potassium iodide to help prevent devastating iodide deficiency (below) This practice began in the United States in 1924 Because iodide is sensitive to acidity, manufacturers usually supplement iodized salt with stabilizing traces of sodium carbonate or thiosulfate and sugar When dissolved in chlorinated tap water, iodized salt can develop a distinct seaweedlike iodine odor, the result of a reaction between the iodide and chlorine compounds Flake Salt Flake salts come in flat, extended particles rather than compact, dense granules Flake salts are produced by surface evaporation of the mother brine, or by mechanically rolling granulated salts Maldon sea salt from the south coast of England includes individual hollow-pyramid crystals measuring as much as a half-inch/1 cm across The large particles of flake salts and minimally processed sea salts are easier to measure and add by the pinch Sprinkled onto a food at the last minute, flake salt provides a ... particles rather than compact, dense granules Flake salts are produced by surface evaporation of the mother brine, or by mechanically rolling granulated salts Maldon sea salt from the south coast of England... of sodium carbonate or thiosulfate and sugar When dissolved in chlorinated tap water, iodized salt can develop a distinct seaweedlike iodine odor, the result of a reaction between the iodide and chlorine compounds... England includes individual hollow-pyramid crystals measuring as much as a half-inch/1 cm across The large particles of flake salts and minimally processed sea salts are easier to measure and add by the pinch