Description
Sea salt is a mixture of sodium chloride, sulphate, magnesium, potassium, sodium bicarbonate, bromide and strontium, obtained by evaporating seawater, being used mainly in the kitchen and in cosmetics. It is historically called ”golf salt”, ”bay salt” or ”solar salt”, being generally more expensive compared to regular table salt. Frequently used in gourmet cuisine due to its unmistakable flavour, it is also considered as a precious adjuvant in classical therapies, helping to fight against a multitude of diseases.
History
According to historical sources, sea salt has been harvested for the first time by the Chinese about 2,000 years ago. The process involved filling clay pots with sea water and boiling them until pure salt crystals were obtained. Later, clay pots were replaced by so-called ”brine fountains”, essentially heated iron recipiants of impressive size. Rome, as well as other cities of today’s Italy, was intentionally built near the salt mines at the mouth of Tiber, which is why the Romans named their first long road ”Via Salaria” (The Salt Road), measuring no less than 242 kilometers in length, with the purpose of linking the Salaria harbour to the port of Ascoli, two locations recognized by sabbins for the impressive quality and quantity of sea salt.
Properties
In natural, unprocessed state, sea salt contains more than 80 active ingredients with medicinal properties that can create a positive impact on the inner health, skin or hair. Having an alkaline action that helps balance acid levels in the body, it works against cardiovascular disease by adjusting blood pressure. Sea salt can also be used preventively to strengthen the immune system and implicitly to reduce the risk of allergies, flu or cold. Its introduction into the daily maintenance routine is beneficial for hydrating the skin, strengthening its protective barrier and refreshing intercellular communication.
