Facts About Salt
A Rich History
Salt has become an inexpensive and readily available commodity that most of us take for granted. But in older times salt was heavily taxed and wars were fought over it. In some ancient civilizations, salt was in such high demand that it was actually minted into coins to serve as the basic currency. Where salt was scarce, it became as valuable as gold. As the Roman stateman Cassiodorus observed, "Some seek not gold, but there lives not a man who does not need salt." Salt was traded ounce-per-ounce with gold - if that were still the case we'd have to pay $300-$400 per ounce of salt! Because everyone, rich and poor, craves salt, rulers going back at least as far as the Chinese emperor Yu in 2200 B.C. have tried mightily to control and tax it. Salt taxes helped finance empires throughout Europe and Asia, but also inspired a lively black market, smuggling rings, riots, and even revolutions.
Salt Baths
In the early 19th Century, people traveled to rudimentary spas such as French Lick Springs in Indiana and Big Bone Lick, Kentucky, to soak in salt springs. Today's more luxurious spas offer salt baths, glows, rubs and polishes.
Salt's Many Uses
Only about five percent of the world's annual salt production ends up as seasoning at the dinner table. The vast majority pours into chemical plants, where it leads the five major raw materials utilized by industry: salt, sulfur, limestone, coal and petroleum. Salt is used to pickle cucumbers, pack meat, can vegetables, cure leather, make glass, bread, butter, cheese, rubber and wood pulp. Salt has some 14,000 uses, more than any other mineral. Salt is a basic component of taste, along with sweet, sour and bitter.
In Your Kitchen
In cooking, salt acts as more than seasoning, pulling flavors together and accenting them. As a dry crystal, it preserves meat and fish by drawing out the moisture. It also acts as a meat tenderizer. It can be employed in a dough that is wrapped around meat or fish and turns into a flavor-sealing crust as it bakes.
Not all salt is the same. Ordinary table salt is refined; it lacks other minerals. Also, yellow prussiate of soda and other additives are added to prevent caking, and dextrose is even added to improve flavor. About half of all table salt is supplemented with potassium iodide, for thyroid support. By contrast, RealSalt contains 50 natural occurring trace minerals like calcium, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper, iodine and zinc.
RealSalt Frequently Asked Questions
We realize salt is something a lot of us don't spend much time thinking about, so when people hear about RealSalt gourmet sea salt we often hear the same questions. Take a look - you might just learn something new!
What is Redmond RealSalt?
As its name implies, Redmond RealSalt® is real salt. "Real salt, as opposed to what?" Very simply, RealSalt® as opposed to the so-called "salt" most people unsuspectingly use. It may surprise many people, but in its natural form, salt is not sparkly white or free flowing. Actually, the "table salt" and many sea salts most people are familiar with have been bleached, refined, and mixed with anti-caking agents and iodine. Many so-called "table salts" also contain sugar, in the form of dextrose - meant to cover or disguise an otherwise harsh and bitter flavor. In fact, a quick glance at the ingredients label on most "table salt" products might surprise you! In addition to sodium chloride, you'll probably find calcium silicate or sodium silicoaluminate, dextrose, and potassium iodide.
By contrast, Redmond RealSalt® is real salt - unrefined and natural - free from any additives or chemicals of any kind.
What are the Colored Specks in RealSalt?
RealSalt's unique "pinkish" appearance and flecks of color come from more than 50 natural trace minerals, including iodine. By contrast, other so-called "table salts" are white because of bleaching and refining.
Does RealSalt Come From Utah's Great Salt Lake?
No! RealSalt® does NOT come from Utah's Great Salt Lake. RealSalt® comes from an ancient salt deposit near the small town of Redmond, Utah, more than 150 miles south of the Great Salt Lake.
Isn't RealSalt More Expensive?
Even when used liberally, a family of four will likely use only one 26 oz. pouch of RealSalt® every five to six months. So actually, the daily cost of RealSalt® is less than a penny. Given the high cost of food these days and the fact that salt is the primary ingredient responsible for taste in food, it makes sense to use something natural that really enhances - rather than masks - the natural flavor of foods! Additionally, the rich savour of RealSalt means using less salt.
Is RealSalt Sea Salt?
Yes! During the earth's Jurassic era, a sea covered much of what is now North America. Over time the water in this sea evaporated, leaving the salt in a vast deposit in central Utah. A range of volcanoes erupted around the ancient seabed, sealing the salt and trace minerals from modern pollutants.
Is RealSalt® Different Than Other Sea Salts?
Absolutely! And 35,000 chefs agree! In a professional taste test of top gourmet natural salts, RealSalt® was deemed the Best of Show and Gold Medal winner by professional chefs of the American Tasting Institute. However, don't just take our word for it. We encourage you to experience the RealSalt® difference yourself!
Take the RealSalt® taste test...First taste RealSalt®, then try any other salt. The difference will amaze you!
