SAL ROSA DEL HIMALAYA

Himalayan Pink Salt: More Than Just a Pretty Color

a).Himalayan pink salt is a type of rock salt mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the foothills of the Himalayas.
 
b). Its characteristic pinkish hue is due to the presence of trace minerals, particularly iron oxide.While often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular table salt, its nutritional benefits are a subject of debate.

c).This distinctive salt is primarily sourced from the Khewra Salt Mine, one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world. The salt deposits are believed to have formed millions of years ago from the evaporation of ancient bodies of water.
 
d).The salt is extracted by hand and undergoes minimal processing, which allows it to retain its natural mineral content.

Composition and Comparison to Table Salt

Like table salt, Himalayan pink salt is predominantly composed of sodium chloride, making up about 95-98% of its content.The remaining portion consists of numerous trace minerals, with some sources claiming it contains up to 84 different minerals and trace elements.These include minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

While it's true that Himalayan pink salt contains more minerals than regular table salt, the amounts of these minerals are very small.Therefore, they are unlikely to provide any significant health benefits. Nutritionally, Himalayan salt is very similar to regular table salt.Some analyses show that while table salt may have a higher sodium content, pink salt has slightly more calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Uses Beyond the Kitchen

Himalayan pink salt is used in a variety of ways:

Culinary: It is used in cooking and as a finishing salt, similar to regular table salt. Top chefs sometimes favor it for its unique flavor and coarse texture.

Decorative Items: The salt's attractive pink color has led to its use in decorative items like salt lamps.Proponents claim these lamps release beneficial ions into the air, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Spa Treatments: It is also incorporated into bath salts and spa treatments.

A Long and Storied History
 
The history of salt mining in the Khewra region dates back centuries. Legend has it that the salt deposit was discovered by the army of Alexander the Great. However, historical records trace mining back to the 1200s.For a long time, the salt was used locally for preserving fish and meat.It wasn't until the late 20th century that Himalayan pink salt gained widespread popularity in the culinary world.