Himalayan salt

Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt extracted from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, located near the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for its pink hue, which is caused by trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Himalayan salt is used in various applications, including culinary, therapeutic, and decorative purposes. This article will discuss the history, extraction, culinary uses, health benefits, and controversies surrounding Himalayan salt.

Himalayan_salt_large_grain_V1

Himalayan_salt_(coarse)

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History

The history of Himalayan salt dates back to the Precambrian era, over 500 million years ago, when ancient seas evaporated, leaving behind salt deposits that were later compressed into rock salt formations 1. The Khewra Salt Mine, the world's second-largest salt mine, was discovered in the 13th century by Alexander the Great's army when his horses were observed licking the salt deposits in the area.

Himalayan salt, São Paulo, Brazil

Himalayan salt lamps

Himalayan salt gained global popularity in the 21st century as an alternative to conventional table salt, due to its perceived health benefits and unique appearance.

Extraction

The Khewra Salt Mine, located in Punjab, Pakistan, is the primary source of Himalayan salt. The mine has 18 working levels and stretches for over 40 kilometers, with an estimated total of 6.7 billion tons of salt reserves 2. Salt is extracted using traditional mining techniques, which involve cutting blocks of salt from the mine walls and transporting them to the surface.

Once the salt has been extracted, it is processed into various forms, including fine and coarse grains, slabs, and lamps, before being packaged and shipped worldwide.

Culinary Uses

Himalayan salt is used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, much like conventional table salt. Its unique pink color and subtle mineral flavors make it a popular choice for both cooking and finishing salt. Some culinary applications of Himalayan salt include:

• Seasoning: Himalayan salt can be used to season a wide range of dishes, from meats and vegetables to pasta and soups.
• Salt Slabs: Thick slabs of Himalayan salt can be used as cooking surfaces, imparting a subtle salty flavor to the food while cooking.
• Finishing Salt: A pinch of Himalayan salt can be used to finish a dish, adding a burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Health Benefits and Controversies

While Himalayan salt is often marketed as a healthier alternative to table salt, its health benefits remain a topic of debate. Some proponents claim that the trace minerals in Himalayan salt contribute to a range of health benefits, such as improved hydration, electrolyte balance, and reduced muscle cramps. However, the concentration of these minerals is generally too low to have a significant impact on health 3.

It is important to note that excessive salt consumption, regardless of the type of salt, can contribute to health issues such as high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. As with any type of salt, moderation is key when using Himalayan salt in the diet.

Summary

Himalayan salt is rock salt (halite) mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan. The salt, which often has a pinkish tint due to trace minerals, is primarily used as a food additive to replace refined table salt but is also used for cooking and food presentation, decorative lamps and spa treatments. The product is often promoted with groundless claims that it has health benefits.

References

• Mees, F., & Helmens, K. F. (2012). The Khewra Salt Mine, Pakistan. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 352(1), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1144/SP352.6 ↩
• Kakar, D. M., Kakar, S., & Kakar, H. (2014). Khewra Salt Mines. Geological Survey of Pakistan Information Release No. 832. ↩
• Michell, A. R. (1995). The clinical biology of sodium: The physiology and pathophysiology of sodium in mammals. Elsevier.

See Also

• Table salt
• Sea salt
• Salt
• Minerals

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