What is salt and where does it come from?

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What is Salt?

Salt is a white, crystalline mineral that is widely used in our diet and in many other applications. It is one of the oldest and most valuable commodities in the world and has played an important role in the development of human civilization.

Did you know that the word 'salary' comes from the Latin word “sal” (salt). It was so valuable that for a time it was used as payment/salary for Roman soldiers.

Origin of our hair

Salt occurs naturally in salt mines, seas and oceans, and even in some land plants. It is extracted by evaporating sea water or by extracting salt layers from the ground. In the Netherlands, for example, there is a well-known salt extraction site in the Twente region.

Application of salt

Salt is used as a flavor enhancer in food, but also as a preservative to make food last longer. In addition, salt is widely used in the chemical industry, for example in the production of chlorine, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals.

Types of salt

There are different types of salt, each with their own unique taste and texture.

  1. Table salt: This is the most common type of salt and is usually used to flavor food during cooking or at the table. Table salt is usually refined and contains iodine to help with thyroid function.
  2. Sea salt: This is obtained by evaporating sea water and often contains some minerals and trace elements. It has a slightly coarser texture than table salt and can have a subtle, slightly salty taste.
  3. Himalayan Salt: This salt comes from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan and has a pink color due to its high iron content. It has a mild taste and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
  4. Celtic Sea Salt: Mined in Brittany, France, this salt has a grayish color due to its high mineral content. It has a rich, salty flavor and can be used to flavor dishes.
  5. Fleur de sel: This is a hand-harvested salt obtained by scraping off the thin layer of crystals that form on the surface of salt pans. It has a delicate taste and is often used as a finishing touch on dishes.

Salt intake

Although salt is essential for our body, we should be careful not to consume too much salt. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. It is therefore important to consciously deal with the amount of salt we consume.