A Quick History on Himalayan Salt Mining and its Signature Color
Himalayan salt has been around for millenia, but how much do we really know about it? Learn all about the history of Himalayan salt mining and its pink color!
Did you know that when you use Himalayan pink salt you could be eating something that dates back to the Precambrian era?
Himalayan salt mining occurs in the great Salt Range of the Himalayas, a region geologists believe is close to 800 million years old!
If you’re interested in upping your cooking game, or just a typical foodie, check out this brief history of Himalayan salt mining and it’s fascinating pink hue.
A Brief History of Himalayan Salt Mining
The pink salt comes from the world-famous Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan.
The mine attracts nearly 250,000 tourists every year who come to see the mining process of the beautiful pink salt bricks.
Geologists believe the mine formed millions of years ago when a small sea became trapped under shifting tectonic plates.
For millions of years, this salt range was kept pure as animal and human life developed all around it. The mine’s positioning keeps the minerals rich, and pure from contamination.
Mine Structure and Development
British mining engineer, Dr. Warth, developed a unique method for removing the mineral-rich salt in 1849.
His famous “pillar and chamber,” method removes only 50 percent of the salt. The other 50 percent is left as the mine’s structural support.
The mine tunnels around 2395.01 feet into the mountainside and is nearly 43 square miles.
The Sacredness of the Salt
The Khewra salt mine is massive. Even still, almost 80-600 million tons of salt remain untouched as it is considered sacred to many and thus preserved from exploitation.
Considered by some to have sacred healing powers, this pink salt is free from many of the typical refining and processes regular table salt goes through.
Hundreds of ancient Ayurvedic recipes require the pure pink Himalayan salt for medicines. These remedies treat sicknesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, and others.
What Sets the Pink Salt Apart?
Since table salt is so widely used, it goes through much processing to remove natural minerals from the salt.
Your average table salt also has things like iodine added, as well as other chemicals to keep the salt crystals from clumping.
Himalayan pink salt has no preservatives or additives.
Himalayan salt mining produces undisturbed, uncontaminated, and mineral-rich pink salt that is literally millions of years old. With over 84 trace minerals included in pink Himalayan salt, this salt is considered very important for good health.
Unlike many ocean salt mines which are highly polluted, pink Himalayan salt is some of the purest salt on earth.
The ancient development of the mine deep within the earth protects the salt from toxic pollutions in air and water.
Using Pink Himalayan Salt in Cooking
Now that you’ve got a history of where this unique salt comes from, start using it to make gourmet dishes!
With pink Himalayan salt, your meals will be free from additives, bitterness, and potentially nasty aftertastes.
Don’t be intimidated by its seemingly exotic nature. Get started with our blog post, “A Beginner’s Guide to Cooking with Himalayan Pink Salt,” for ideas on how to include it in some delicious recipes.