Pink Himalayan Salt - Fleur de Sel Type - Premium Purity

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 the result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. When the seas receded, salt deposits rose to the surface. This is how the Khewra salt mine was naturally created, the pink salt of the Himalayas is thus a rock salt. It is found very precisely in the region of Kashmir, in the 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. As his horses licked the rocks, the soldiers were intrigued and did the same. They then discovered the salty taste of the rocks. However, it was not until the 16th century that the pink salt of the Himalayas was exploited. In the 19th century, when the British took control of the region, they created a simplified access to the mine to market this salt. This high quality condiment is extracted by hand, hundreds of tons are extracted from the rock each year. The pink salt of the Himalayas has now become an essential condiment. Present at the bottom of the mines of Khewra, this salt is not touched by pollution, which explains its incomparable quality. It is not refined, it is a raw product that presents itself to you. One could imagine that its color is due to specific treatments or additives. However, this is not the case. Himalayan salt is naturally pink.

What is the taste of Himalayan salt?

Himalayan salt naturally has an iodized taste reminiscent of traditional salt. However, it is finer than the salt we are used to consuming, it is closer in quality to fleur de sel which is also in the form of thicker crystals than fine salt.

The harvesting of Himalayan salt

The Khewra mines in the Pakistani Punjab have been developed over the centuries to provide safe access to the treasure that is pink Himalayan salt. Unlike sea salt, which is harvested from marshes, pink salt is extracted from mines. This very pure fossil salt is not collected by just anyone. Indeed, one must possess 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 benefits, 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 visit the salt mines, there are sellers of products made from 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 a higher salting power than fine salt. It should therefore be used sparingly. Unlike fine salt or coarse salt, pink salt is not recommended for salting the water in your dishes. It is preferable to use it at the table to salt your meat, 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 add a touch of pep to your meals. You can however choose to use a salt mill to make a finer salt. Surprise your guests by presenting a magnificent pink salt from the Himalayas on your table

The health benefits of Himalayan salt

The pink salt of the Himalayas is very appreciated for its various virtues. Let us remember that an asthma clinic is present in the Khewra mine. Also, this salt is known to soothe if you suffer from respiratory problems. Some people recommend inhaling the salt vapour to fight against pulmonary inflammations. Toning, 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 eliminate 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, sulfates, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, iron and 60 trace elements. Although it contains 87% sodium chloride, it does not contain iodine, unlike sea salt.

The conservation of Himalayan salt

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