Pink Himalayan Salt

What is Himalayan salt?

A few million years ago, the Himalayan regions were oceans. With the movement of tectonic plates, the sea eventually disappeared and mountain ranges were formed. The Himalayas are thus the result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. As the seas retreated, deposits of salt rose to the surface. This is how the Khewra salt mine was naturally created, the pink Himalayan salt is thus a rock salt. It is found very precisely in the Kashmir region of Pakistani Punjab. It is said that it was when Alexander the Great came with his troops in the 4th century BC that Himalayan salt was discovered. His horses licked the rocks and the soldiers were intrigued and did the same. They then discovered the salty taste of the rocks. However, it wasn't until the 16th century that pink Himalayan salt was exploited. In the 19th century, when the English took control of the region, they created a simplified access to the mine to market this salt. This high quality condiment is extracted manually, hundreds of tons come out of the rock every year. Pink Himalayan salt has now become an essential condiment. Present at the bottom of the mines of Khewra, this salt is not affected by pollution, which explains its incomparable quality. It is not refined, it is a raw product that is presented to you. One could imagine that its colour is due to specific treatments or additives. However, this is not the case. Himalayan salt is naturally pink.

What is the flavour of Himalayan salt?

Himalayan salt naturally has an iodized taste that is reminiscent of traditional salt. However, it is finer than the salt we are used to eating, and in terms of quality it is similar to flower of salt, which also comes in the form of thicker crystals than fine salt.

Harvesting Himalayan Salt

The Khewra mines in Pakistani Punjab have been developed over the centuries to provide safe access to the treasure of pink Himalayan salt. Unlike sea salt, which is harvested in the swamps, pink salt is extracted from the mines. This very pure fossil salt is not picked up by just anyone. Indeed, one must have a hereditary title to go to this mine and extract the salt. Also, this profession is practiced from father to son. The miners receive medical care, housing and educational assistance for their children. The salt is extracted manually. Note that 40 km of tunnels have been dug. It is possible to go and visit the salt mines, where you can find vendors selling products made from the pink Himalayan salt, salt for consumption, but also reproductions of monuments in salt sculptures. There is even an asthma clinic in the Khewra salt mine.

How to use Himalayan salt in cooking?

Like fleur de sel, pink Himalayan salt has more saltiness than fine salt. It should therefore be used sparingly. Unlike fine or coarse salt, pink salt is not recommended for salting the water in your preparations. It is preferable to use it at the table to salt your meats, fish, salads, etc. It is a pure salt, it represents a perfect alternative to fine salts sometimes polluted and cleaned with chemicals. Its crunchy crystals bring pep to your meals. You can however choose to use a salt mill to make finer salt. Surprise your guests by presenting a magnificent pink Himalayan salt on your table

The health benefits of Himalayan salt

Pink Himalayan salt is highly appreciated for its various virtues. Let's remember that there is an asthma clinic in the Khewra mine. Also, this salt is known to soothe if you suffer from respiratory problems. Some people recommend inhaling salt vapor to fight lung inflammation. Invigorating, it acts effectively on the immune system. Used in the bath, it acts against skin problems : eczema, acne, psoriasis. It is also effective against muscle cramps and promotes blood circulation. Himalayan salt can also be used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin, it is found in some scrubs. Why does this salt have so many virtues? Simply because it is a very rich natural product that contains the following elements: potassium, calcium, silicon, zinc, sulphates, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, iron and 60 trace elements. Although it contains 87% sodium chlorine, it does not contain iodine, unlike sea salt.

The conservation of Himalayan salt

It is advisable to store your pink Himalayan salt away from light, preferably in a dry and cool place.