“Salt is born of the purest of parents: the sun and the sea.”
- Pythagoras, 550 BC
All About Salt
Thank you for visiting Worldwide Salt! We are VERY passionate about Sea Salt and its harvesting methods, and we love sharing our knowledge with others! This informative page provides you with everything you need to know about salt, including its history, benefits, and uses in cooking and beyond. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, our products and resources are designed to help you take your culinary creations to the next level!
Feel free to contact us with any questions or feedback you may have!
What is Sea Salt? Why is it so special?
Sea Salt is a type of salt that is produced by evaporating seawater. It is a natural alternative to the more commonly used table salt, which is typically mined from underground salt deposits. Sea salt is considered special for several reasons. It is a naturally occurring mineral. Sea salt often contains trace minerals and elements that are naturally found in seawater, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and others. These minerals can give sea salt a distinct & unique flavor profile depending on the location it originates. Sea salt is much less processed than table salt. Sea salt is commonly used in cooking and as a finishing salt to enhance the flavor and texture of dishes. Its larger crystals provide a satisfying crunch when sprinkled on top of foods like salads, grilled meats, and baked goods.
How is Sea Salt made?
There are a few modern methods of "brute forcing" your way to making salt, but here at Worldwide Salt, we prefer to support the artisanal method of solar evaporation, with roots going back over 8000 years! Our Natural Sea Salt is hand-harvested directly from the sea! It is then heated by sunlight to allow the water to evaporate, leaving the delicious crystals we call salt. On the bottom layer traditional sea salt forms, but the top is a magnificently pure salt flake called Fleur de Sel!
What is Fleur de Sel?
Translating to "Salt Flower", Fleur de Sel is an extremely premium sea salt that is often considered one of the finest and most prized salts in the world! It is called so because it is harvested from the delicate, thin layer of salt that forms on the surface of seawater as it evaporates, resembling a delicate bloom of salt crystals. This only occurs when the temperature and wind patterns are perfect, only around 3 months every year! It is also only hand-harvested by skilled workers using wooden rakes. It is carefully skimmed from the top layer of salt ponds or pans shortly after it forms. This labor-intensive process is highly selective and results in the collection of only the finest salt crystals, making it a rare & premium product. Fleur de sel is a finishing salt, meaning it is typically used as a final touch on dishes just before serving.
Salt as Currency
Salt’s extremely high value led to it being used as a form of currency in many societies. For example, Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in salt! Up until the 19th Century salt was still being used as currency!
Food Preservation
Salt is a natural antibacterial, ancient humans observed that salt helped to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, molds, and other microorganisms, allowing food to be stored for longer periods. With the absence of refrigeration, salt played a crucial role in preserving food, especially meat and fish. In climates where extreme temperatures could lead to spoilage very rapidly, like the Egyptians, it was crucial. This preservation method was essential for survival during long winters and extended voyages.
History of Sea Salt
Ancient Origins
Solar Evaporation is the oldest method of obtaining Sea Salt. Early civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Chinese, and Greeks, placed extreme value in salt for seasoning, but especially for food preservation. They collected it by evaporating seawater in shallow pools exposed to the sun.
Roman Influence
The Romans are known for their advancements in salt production. They built intricate saltworks along coastlines and riverbanks and established a tax they named “salarium” on salt, from which the word “salary” is believed to have originated.
Medieval Europe
In medieval Europe, salt was so highly prized that it was often referred to as “white gold.” Monopolies and heavy taxes on salt were imposed by various rulers, contributing to significant revenue. As European powers explored and colonized, they often sought salt sources to secure a valuable resource for trade and consumption.
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians used Sea Salt and Rock Salt. They are known to have used salt for mummification and culinary purposes. Salt's value to Egyptians caused it to be used in trade and as currency, like the Romans, But among all, salt was essential to ensure a stable food supply in such an extreme climate. Ancient Egyptian texts and hieroglyphics contain references to salt, showcasing its significance in their culture and daily life.
Every Way Salt Is Used
