Salt is one of the most commonly used and cheap commodities on the earth. Its use has been known since ancient times. Salt has been used for flavoring and preserving food for a long time. We think of salt as the most widely available and basic seasoning. To some people, it just an ingredient in their dishes. However, it is the least expensive thing available at the supermarket. But not all salts are equal. Some are expensive than we think of them due to their special characteristics and quality.

There is a variety of salts to choose from. They differ in their mineral and sodium content as well as in their texture and taste. They are not only used for cooking but they have much more benefits associated with them. Hence, they are of great importance to the industry as well as to humans and animals. Are you also looking for what makes them the most expensive salt in the world? Let’s explore more about the most expensive salt in the world.

Salt is made up of two minerals sodium and chloride. It is 60% chloride and 40% sodium. Most of the salt that we eat comes from underground salt deposits(mines), seawater, and other mineral-rich waters. The production of salt from both seawater or underground deposits involves the process of evaporation. Where the water slowly evaporates, leaving the salt behind.

Benefits and uses of salt

From preserving food, enhancing the flavor and taste of your favorite dishes to providing health benefits salt plays an important role. The minerals present in it plays an important role in how your body functions. However, our bodies actually can’t live without salt. It allows our nerves to transmit messages by facilitating the transport of oxygen and nitrogen. It is an essential element for regulating our muscle contraction. Hence, we can not deny the fact that why it is so important and why some of them are the most expensive salt in the world.

In ancient times hunters used salt to protect the food from spoilage caused by bacteria and molds. They used to hunt or kill more than they could consume quickly. They keep meat fresh for a longer period with the use of salt. Moisture is the main reason behind the growth of microorganisms and spoilage of meat. Salt when sprinkled on meat draws out the moisture from the meat and makes it safe for long storage. This preservation practice is still going in modern days.

Salt has been known for its use as a natural preservative in the mummification process and preservation of corpses. During ancient civilizations, there was high demand for salt. However, it was considered so valuable that it was used as a form of currency. Salt was heavily traded, taxed and even soldiers were sometimes paid with it.

Salt can preserve food and make your favorite dishes more delicious, but what else can it do?

Stains remover:

Salt absorbs stains from carpet, cups and can also be used to remove grease from the oven or pans.

Skin Exfoliation:

Salt helps in removing dead skin cells of the face, feet legs, etc. However, the use of salt scrub is common to exfoliate.

Kills grass and weeds:

You can stop the growth of weeds or grass in your patio or openings on concrete by sprinkling salt over there.

Rust remover

A mixture of lemon and salt helps remove the rust from the rusty item. Scrub it over the item and allow it to remain for an hour.

Teeth cleaner

A mixture of salt with baking soda aids in cleaning your teeth. Hence, it can be used as homemade toothpaste.

Help relieve a sore throat

Add a pinch of salt in warm water and gargle the water to soothe a sore throat. This home remedy has been used for ages in easing the throat.

Deter ants

Salt stops ants from coming into your house. Sprinkle it in around your doorways and windows.

Help extend the shelf life of milk

A pinch of salt in milk keeps it fresh for a long time.

Why salt is essential for our health?

Here are some of the reasons why we need salt in our diet.

Keeps the body hydrated

Salt is necessary for the proper functioning of organs. It promotes electrolyte balance and healthy hydration levels. Salt helps muscles, tissues, and cells of your body to maintain the right amount of fluid. Dehydration can results if your body is not properly hydrated and it makes you more susceptible to fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

Helps thyroid function properly

The deficiency of mineral iodine in the body can lead to the improper functioning of the thyroid. Your body is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones if you have an iodine deficiency. Hence, working of the thyroid properly plays an important role in body metabolism. Iodine deficiency can lead to the conditions such as fatigue, difficulty thinking, constipation, sensitivity to a cold, and enlarged thyroid(Goitre). Most of the salts have added iodine in them, these are labeled as Iodized. Hence, it is important to have iodized salts in your diet for the proper functioning of the thyroid.

Improves symptoms of cystic fibrosis

If you have a condition called cystic fibrosis, this means you need more salt and water in your diet to prevent dehydration. People with cystic fibrosis have very salty-tasting skin because they lose more salt in their sweat than an average person. Hence, they need to consult a doctor regarding their salt requirements on daily basis.

Help prevents low blood pressure

The main cause of low blood pressure(hypotension) is an inadequate amount of salt in your diet. Fainting, dizziness, blurry vision, and nausea are the symptoms of low blood pressure. If the reading is below 90/60 of mercury(mmHg), then the blood pressure is considered to be lower. Hence, salt helps maintain normal blood pressure, but should not be taken more than the required amount.

12 different types of salt-which one are the most expensive salt in the world?

You must understand different types of salt before you can choose the right one. Let’s take a look at 12 different types of salt, what makes one type most expensive than the other and what they are best for.

Table salt

Table salt is the most common or regular salt that is found nearly in every house and used daily. However, It is harvested from underground salt deposits. Most of the impurities and minerals have been removed from table salt. Hence, it is usually highly refined salt. Table salt has iodine added to it to prevent hypothyroidism and other various health problems. However, it also contains anti-caking agents to prevent clumping.

Kosher salt

The name itself suggests that this salt is used in the Koshering process. The crystals are coarser and flakier than the regular table salt. The large-grained size is good at drawing moisture from the meat. However, most chefs prefer it over table salt because Kosher salt crystals are dissolves quickly and are ideal for absorption.

Sea salt

Sea salt is the most expensive and luxurious category of salt. It is harvested from the evaporated seawater. It contains impurities and various trace minerals because it is unrefined and coarser-grained than table salt. Hence, its complex flavor profile is because of the minerals such as zinc, potassium, and iron. There are many colors and types of sea salt to choose from. The darker color means that it has a higher concentration of trace nutrients and impurities. However, it is used by chefs to add a final burst of flavor, a different mouthfeel, and a crunch than refined or table salt.

Fleur de sel

This salt is also known as Flower of salt and it comes from France. It is hand-harvested sea salt from the coast of Brittany. However, It is one of the most expensive salts in the world because of its labor-intensive harvesting and scarcity. Fleur de sel is round, delicate, and paper-thin much like a cream taken from milk. It is rich in mineral content and can be used as a finishing salt to add flavor to your dishes.

Himalayan pink salt

Himalayan pink salt is found in the Punjab regions of Pakistan. It is the purest form salt and contains 84 natural minerals. It ranges from deep-white to pink color. Its pink color is because of the trace amounts of iron oxide. The only difference is in the color but most people prefer it for finishing and cooking over table salt. However, it is slightly higher in cost than table salt because of its other benefits and traditional method of harvesting but not the most expensive salt in the world. It can be used in spa treatments, soothing baths, and the use of Himalayan salt lamps is believed to remove allergens and mucus from the air.

Celtic sea salt

This salt is also known as Sel Gris. It also comes from France. The salt crystals are large coarse and give a greyish hue and a brinny tase. It can be used as a cooking and finishing salt. Sometimes, Celtic sea salt can also be used in baking.

Kala namak (Black salt)

This variety of salt is also very and famous all over the world. It is Himalayan salt. The reddish-black of the Kala namak is because of the process through which it is made. It is mixed with herbs, charcoal, seed, and bark in a jar and then fired in a furnace for 24-hours. Black salt has a salty and pungent taste. It gives a sulfurous egg-like and faint aroma. It is used as a finishing salt in many dishes and is also sprinkled over fruits.

Smoked salt

This salt is very different from others because of the slow-smoked process that it goes through over a wood fire. However, it adds a smoky flavor and can be a great option if you want to add a dash of flavor to your dishes. The taste of the smoked salt also varied from brand to brand and the wood used or time smoked.

Flake salt

As the name suggests it is a thin salt with an irregular shape and has very low mineral content. However, it is harvested from the evaporation and boiling of seawater. It adds an instant pop of flavor because dissolves quickly. Flake is mostly used in meats as finishing salts.

Red Hawaiian salt

Red Hawaiin salt is unrefined salt and is also known as Alaea salt. It is mixed with iron-rich volcanic clay ALaea. The name and the beautiful reddish color are because of the presence of this clay. However, it has been used in conventional ways for centuries. Red Hawaiian salt serves purposes such as purification and cleansing as well as adds an attractive finish to the seafood and meat.

Pickling salt

This type of salt is also very common and mostly used in households. Pickling salt is slightly different from regular salt. It does not contain trace minerals, added iodine, and anti-caking agents.

What’s the most expensive salt in the world?

The most expensive salt in the world is Amethyst Bamboo 9x also known as Bamboo salt or jukyeom. It comes from Korea and the process through which it is made makes it the most expensive one. Coarse Korean grey sea salt is roasted inside a bamboo sealed with clay at temperatures nearing 1500 hundred degrees. The process is repeated several times and the resulting salt is intense, smoky, aromatic, and powerful. It is used for several purposes and also provides numerous health benefits.