While not all of us have access to the unique Pink Himalayan Rock Salt used by Chef David Burke as both a seasoning and as a base for food to sit upon (like the butter he serves on tables in his restaurants), salt is a staple item in practically every home. Salt is usually used as an additive, but there are many unthought-of of uses for salt that turns this common household item into quite the lifesaver.
 

Shelling Nuts
To make nuts, like Pecans, just a bit easier to crack into, soak them in salt water for several hours before shelling. The shell should peel away with little effort.

Washing Spinach
The small crevices in spinach leaves can make them difficult to wash thoroughly. Try washing leaves in mildly salted water, it will help dislodge the dirt.

Keep Salad Crispy
If you’re preparing salad ahead of time, lightly salt the salad to help retain the crispiness of the leaves.

Prevent Fruit from Browning
To keep freshly cut fruit from turning brown, briefly soak it in a bowl of lightly salted water.

In Whip Cream and Beaten Eggs
Add a small pinch of salt to whip cream or eggs before beating. This will help cream to whip lighter and will improve firmness in eggs after baking.

Keep Milk Fresh
Adding a small pinch of salt to your carton of milk or cream can help it last just a bit longer.

Prevent Cheese from Molding
Wrap cheese in a damp napkin that has been soaked in salt water before storing it in your refrigerator to help prevent mold from growing.

Shell Hard-boiled Eggs
Adding a teaspoon of salt to water before boiling eggs with prevent the shell from crumbling into tiny pieces when peeling it.
Decrease Cooking Time
Contrary to popular belief, adding salt to water does not make water boil faster. It does, however, make the water boil to a higher temperature. Thus, your food should cook more quickly.