Sea Salt Facts

Sea salt is created naturally as ocean water evaporates. Sea salt contains minerals that table salt does not contain naturally, including iron, iodine, sulfur and magnesium. Sea salt also does not contain some of the unnatural ingredients that table salt contains. Sea salt is mined from protected shore areas in areas created specifically for the mining of sea salt.

History

The oldest recorded history of sea salt use is in China and dates to approximately 4,700 years ago. Sea salt was mined and used in many ways that is still used, including healing and preserving. The methods for mining sea salt in ancient history do not differ greatly from the methods utilized currently.

Identification

Sea salt is unrefined salt that comes from the sea or ocean. Sea salt is collected by guiding salty water into big clay forms. Once the water has been collected in the clay forms, it is kept until it has evaporated naturally. After the water has evaporated, what remains is natural sea salt.

Geography

Sea salt is mined primarily in the Mediterranean Sea. Other mining areas include the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean (France and Brittany coasts), the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Greece, Sicily and Colombia. There are several areas within the United States that produce sea salt, including Hawaii, Maine, Utah, Massachusetts and San Francisco Bay.

Types

Sea salt is present in many cosmetic and personal care products. Because it is a naturally occurring ingredient, it is frequently used in more expensive cosmetic products. Sea salt is also a common base for antiperspirant products and bathing salts.

Significance

Many professional chefs prefer to use sea salt in their cooking and baking techniques. Sea salt is thought to be less salty than typical table salt, so it might be necessary to adjust some recipes to produce desired outcomes. Sea salt is slightly more expensive than table salt, but professional chefs generally agree the additional expense is worth paying for the better quality salt.

Benefits

The human body absorbs salt minerals through pores in the skin. Many people enjoy soaking in mineral baths filled with sea salt. This can be done in the comfort of one's homes or in spa-like settings. When sea salt is rubbed into the skin, it can work to exfoliate dead skin cells, improve circulation and replenish certain body minerals.