Hi, I’m James Whitmore, the creator behind Salt Evangelist.
If there is one ingredient I believe deserves more respect, it is salt. Not because it makes food salty, but because it makes food come alive. Salt highlights sweetness, softens bitterness, sharpens acidity, and deepens savoriness. It is not just seasoning. It is transformation.
Salt Evangelist is my space to explore the power of this humble mineral and to help home cooks understand how to use it with confidence.
Where My Story Begins
I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, surrounded by coastal cuisine that depended on balance and restraint. Fresh seafood, garden vegetables, slow cooked stews. The flavors were clean and honest.
But I remember one specific moment that changed how I thought about cooking. I was helping my grandmother make tomato sandwiches. She sliced ripe tomatoes, laid them over soft white bread, and sprinkled salt over the top.
I took a bite before the salt. Then another after.
The difference was remarkable. The tomatoes were brighter, sweeter, more themselves. That was the first time I understood that salt was not about adding something new. It was about revealing what was already there.
Education and Early Career
I studied hospitality management in college because I knew I wanted to work around food. After graduating, I worked in several kitchens, from casual seafood spots to more refined dining rooms.
In every kitchen, I noticed something consistent. The most experienced cooks tasted constantly. They adjusted seasoning in layers. They knew that under seasoned food could never be fixed at the table.
I became known among coworkers as the one who would always say, “Taste it again.” Not because I was critical, but because I cared about getting it right.
Over time, I realized I was developing a philosophy centered around proper seasoning. Friends would ask why their soups tasted flat or why their roasted vegetables seemed dull. Almost always, the answer involved salt and how it was used.
The Birth of Salt Evangelist
The idea for Salt Evangelist started as a small online journal where I wrote about cooking lessons I had learned in professional kitchens.
I began explaining different types of salt, when to season during cooking, and why finishing salt creates a different experience than salt added at the beginning.
The response surprised me. People were curious. They wanted clarity. Many home cooks were afraid of over salting, so they under seasoned everything instead.
I realized there was space for a blog that focused on the fundamentals, especially seasoning. That is when Salt Evangelist truly took shape.
My Cooking Philosophy
I believe that seasoning is the foundation of great cooking.
Here is what guides me:
• Season gradually and thoughtfully
• Taste at every stage
• Understand the role of salt in enhancing flavor
• Respect the natural qualities of ingredients
• Focus on balance rather than intensity
Salt is powerful, but it must be used with care. Too little, and a dish feels incomplete. Too much, and it overwhelms.
When used correctly, it quietly supports every other ingredient.
What You Will Find on the Blog
On Salt Evangelist, you will discover:
• Recipes that emphasize proper seasoning
• Guides to different salts and their uses
• Practical tips for layering flavor
• Simple dishes that rely on strong fundamentals
• Honest reflections from my kitchen
I aim to write in a way that feels approachable and encouraging. Cooking should not feel intimidating. It should feel empowering.
Life Outside the Kitchen
When I am not testing recipes, I enjoy visiting local farmers markets, talking with producers, and experimenting with preserving techniques like curing and fermenting.
I also love sharing meals with family and friends because that is where food truly matters. Around a table. In conversation. In community.
Thank You for Being Here
Salt Evangelist is for anyone who wants to cook with more confidence and understanding.
If you have ever wondered why a dish tastes flat or how to make simple ingredients shine, you are in the right place.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we will learn how a small pinch can make a remarkable difference.