Add Even More Flavor To Blueberries With This Pantry Staple You Already Have

Apple and cinnamon. Sour cream and onion. Peanut butter and jelly. Tomato and basil. Much like this addition to canned baked beans, they're flavor pairings that, for many foodies, belong together. We want to add another: salt and blueberries. It's definitely an IYKYK partnership, but if you've added a few flakes of salt to a handful of the sweet, tart fruit, you'll know exactly why it should be done every time (and not just to blueberries, but we'll get there). For those that have never tried this combination, it's not as bonkers as it might first appear, because there's solid science behind why it works.

Without getting too technical, our tongue is covered in receptors called T1R, which respond specifically to sweet tastes. However, our bodies also produce a protein called sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), which can "sense" the glucose it carries to our organs, where it's then used as an energy source. Researchers have found that, when mice were given a blend of salt and glucose, it fired their nerves and amplified the sweet taste more than just sugar on its own (via Acta Physiologica). That's why a few grains of table salt (you only need a pinch) sprinkled on a bowl of glucose-packed blueberries will send their sweet flavor soaring and our tastebuds into raptures. 

Adding a pinch of salt to blueberries is just the start of a flavor adventure, because there are lots of different salts that pair deliciously with a variety of fruits. Table salt is the most common, but if you prefer your salt a little less, er, salty, then the kosher kind will be your BFF. Its bigger grains mean you can dose it more easily, and it dissolves quickly, too. Meanwhile, Himalayan pink salt doesn't just look pretty but works on a slew of fruits, including watermelon, guava, and apple. Depending on what it's paired with, the salt will either boost sweetness, bring balance, or tamp down acidity.

The sodium in balsamic vinegar is what makes it such a great combo with strawberries, but a few flakes of sea salt will also bring out the sweetness of those juicy, soft fruits. If you can get your hands on a good quality fleur-de-sel, the mineral tang of this variety will add even more depth to your strawbs' flavor. Fans of South Asian cuisine might be familiar with black salt (also known as kala namak), a key component of refreshing nimbu soda. It has a distinct, slightly eggy taste that is often described as tangy and is a popular addition to many fruits, including pineapple and watermelon.

If you do start mixing and matching salt with fruit, consider how much sodium you are eating. The recommended daily value is no more than 2.3 grams, which equates to around half a teaspoon. If you want an alternative way to boost the sweetness of your blueberries, grow your own and make sure to add this essential nutrient!