Himalayan salt has been creating quite the buzz, and guess the reasons. Its eye-catching pink hue and touted health benefits. But what is it that makes this pink salt so special?
Himalayan salt is packed with a unique blend of materials that set it apart from the regular table salt. It has a lot to offer, from purifying properties to digestive perks. Temporarily leave your regular salt behind, and let’s take a closer look at what makes this salt so intriguing.
What Makes it Different from other Types of Salt
We will take a deep dive into what really sets organic Himalayan rock salt apart from regular table salt and other varieties.
An Ancient Natural Source
Himalayan rock salt is primarily mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the Himalayan foothills. It comes from mineral-rich ancient sea salt deposits that date back to the Precambrian Era. This natural source gives it a rich mineral profile.
Unrefined and Unprocessed
Unlike highly processed table salt, Himalayan rock salt is completely unrefined and unprocessed. It’s extracted through manual mining and absolutely no chemicals or heat processing are used. As a result, it is able to retain its natural mineral richness.
Pink Colour Comes from Iron Oxide
The beautiful pink hue of this salt is due to the presence of iron oxide. The natural iron content gives it the iconic rosy tint. Artificial dyes are never used to colour it.
Contains 84+ Essential Trace Minerals
Himalayan rock salt is loaded with more than 84 trace minerals and elements including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron. These minerals give it therapeutic properties lacking in purified salts.
Lower in Sodium than Table Salt
It has less sodium per serving compared to regular salt. The myriad of minerals balance out the sodium content. It just means that Himalayan rock salt is a healthy substitute.
Has No Additives
Since it’s unrefined, Himalayan rock salt has absolutely no additives like anti-caking agents or iodine that are commonly found in table salt. It is pure salt the way nature intended.
Has a Distinctive Flavour Profile
It has a light, sweet, and slightly mineral-y taste. The rich mineral content gives it a distinct flavour lacking in highly processed salts. Use it to level up soups, roasted veggies, and more.
Certified Pure and Organic
Opt for organic certified Himalayan salt verified to be 100% pure and sourced from protected mines, so you are sure that no pollutants and other impurities make their way in.
How it is Harvested and Processed
Himalayan rock salt undergoes a meticulous harvesting and production process that preserves its natural purity.
Harvesting
The salt is extracted from the Himalayan mountains using traditional hand-mining techniques. Skilled miners carefully extract salt-rich rocks through man-made tunnels. No machinery or blasting techniques are used to protect the mineral integrity.
The salt-filled rocks are transported down the mountains either manually or via animals like mules, camels, or donkeys. This mode preserves the hand-harvested quality.
Processing
At the processing plants at the foothills, the salt rocks are thoroughly washed with the pure mineral-rich water flowing down from the mountains. The impurities and dust are removed. The salt rocks are then laid out to dry in the open sun. They are dried only using clean mountain air and sunshine. No artificial drying techniques are used.
Workers then crush the solar-dried salt rocks using hand tools. No grinding machines are used in order to retain structural integrity. The crushed salt is thoroughly sifted through meshes manually to remove large impurities and achieve consistency in crystal size.
Advanced machinery is still not used in the process. The sifted salt is carefully packed by hand into eco-friendly bags or jars. Each batch undergoes rigorous laboratory testing to verify its purity and mineral composition. It is done to ensure it is free of pollutants.
The salt is ethically sourced from artisanal miners paid fair wages and works in safe, regulated conditions. Environmental protection laws govern mining. So choose trusted brands that have organic certification from accredited bodies. It guarantees the salt’s natural purity from mountain to table.
Benefits of Organic Himalayan Pink Salt
Thanks to its incredibly robust nutritional profile, organic Himalayan pink salt offers profound perks for your health.
- Its alkaline minerals help counter acidity and promote a healthy pH balance when used in moderation.
- The ample minerals help flush out toxins, reduce inflammation, and support liver and kidney health, helping detoxification.
- The rich calcium and magnesium content makes it great for strengthening bones and teeth and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
- The minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium support healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular function.
- Micronutrients like zinc and selenium found in the salt may help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
- It supports the production of digestive enzymes and hormones, thereby improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium optimise muscle contractions and prevent cramps.
- Mineral deficiencies can disrupt sleep-wake cycles. This salt’s mineral content will be beneficial in regulating sleep.
- Iron, magnesium, and zinc support neurotransmitter function, resulting in improved focus, mood, and cognition.
- Sodium and minerals like calcium and potassium are vital for healthy nerve impulses and signalling.
- The electrolyte profile helps the body absorb and retain water efficiently. Meaning, it supports hydration.
Culinary Uses and Flavour Profile
Himalayan rock salt is highly valued by chefs and home cooks for its incredibly versatile culinary applications and distinctive flavour.
All-Purpose Seasoning – its light saltiness and hint of mineral sweetness makes Himalayan rock salts ideal for an all-purpose finishing salt. Sprinkle it on everything from grilled meats, roasted veggies and salads to soups, baked goods and desserts. It brings out the flavours.
Marinades and Rubs – blend the salt into marinades, dry rubs, and spice mixes for a flavour boost. A touch of the salt’s pretty pink crystals in a meat rub or chicken marinade gives a taste and texture upgrade.
Pickling and Curing – the salt’s mineral richness enhances pickled vegetables, kimchi, cured meats like salami and sauerkraut with flavour depth. Use it when canning, pickling, or curing foods at home.
Condiments and Sauces – add it while preparing condiments like tomato sauce, mayonnaise, salad dressings, butters, and mustards. Its complexity balances and enhances the flavours.
Soups and Stews – a pinch while cooking soups and stews makes the broth richer, flavours more well-rounded and textures heartier. The robust mineral infusion is perfect for brothy dishes.
Snacking – make your own flavoured nuts, crackers, and popcorn with the salt or use it to rim cocktail glasses for that perfect salty-mineral balance. It makes snacking more irresistible.
Baked Goods – for sweets like cookies, muffins, breads and more, use it in doughs or sprinkle on top for the ideal sweet-salty contrast. It brings out the genuine flavours in desserts.
Grilling Plank – heat and grill foods like shrimp, chicken, fish, and veggies directly on Himalayan salt bricks or slabs to infuse a subtle saltiness.
Cocktails and Mocktails – uplevel your handcrafted cocktails by using the salt for salted rims or adding it to the mixer. Even mocktails get a flavour burst from it.
Unique Flavour Profile – the salt has a distinctively light, clean taste. It’s simultaneously salty, sweet, savoury, and just slightly mineral-y. Its diversity and complexity balance bold flavours. The lingering finish rounds out the taste experience.
Gorgeous Pink Colour – don’t let the pink hue fool you into thinking this salt will make your food pink! It lends a subtle warm flow. The colour makes dishes visually ravishing.
Himalayan Salt in Spa and Wellness
Himalayan salt is fast becoming a staple in spas and personal wellness routines.
- Salt Cave Therapy – salt caves made from Himalayan salt blocks create a microclimate said to benefit lung health, skin conditions and stress when sessions are repeated.
- Salt Room Yoga – some studios hold classes inside salt cave spaces for added relaxation during yoga sessions. The mineral-rich air is believed to boost yoga’s stress-busting effects.
- Body Scrubs – belding Himalayan salt with oils makes an indulgent exfoliating scrub that sloughs off dead cells, boosts blood flow, and leaves skin silky. The minerals may help neutralise skin pH.
- Foot Soaks – dissolving the salt in warm water makes a detoxifying foot bath. It may help draw out toxins, ease soreness, and soak away stress. Add in essential oils for extra pampering.
- Bath Salts – mix Himalayan salt with other soothing minerals like Epsom salts or magnesium flakes and add to a warm bath if you are planning for an at-home spa night.
- Salt Nebulisers – devices that diffuse fine Himalayan salt particles into the air are said to enhance respiratory function.
Rejuvenate your mind and body with the therapeutic applications of Himalayan salt. This is nature’s way of delivering healing and pampering.
Where to Buy Himalayan Salt in Singapore
After learning the benefits and uses of Himalayan salt, you are probably keen to get your hands on some quality organic crystals for your home.
Luckily, you can easily purchase premium organic certified Himalayan pink salt right here in Singapore through Nature’s Glory. Nature’s Glory offers the salt in convenient 500g packs perfect for restocking your kitchen.
Visit our online store today and get these mineral crystals incorporated into your routine. Your mind, body, and meals will thank you.