what makes kosher salt kosher

Kosher salt is a coarse-grained salt made from salt crystals. It is usually not iodized, but some brands may contain an anti-caking agent. The evaporation process determines the salts final shape, so kosher salt can be flat or pyramidal in structure depending on the brand. Kosher salt is made solely from sodium chloride and doesn't usually contain additives or iodine. It weighs less than table salt and is less dense. The name "kosher salt" is not necessarily a reference to Jewish culinary standards. It got its name because, historically, it was used for its effectiveness in koshering meat, the Jewish process of preparing meat for consumption. Any salt can be kosher if it's produced under kosher supervision, but it's not because of Jewish dietary guidelines that kosher salt got its name. Kosher-certified salt, commonly referred to as "kosher salt," means that the salt has met the guidelines outlined by Jewish law and upheld by kosher.