How is Sea Salt Made? The Journey from Ocean to Table

Sea salt has been cherished for centuries, renowned not only for its mineral-rich profile but also for the subtle way it enhances the flavour of food. While its place in the kitchen and spa is well known, the process of transforming seawater into those delicate, shimmering crystals often remains a mystery. In the points below, we’ll walk you through the journey of how sea salt is made and why The Salt Box’s carefully sourced products are second to none.

The Origins – Sourcing from Pristine Waters

The journey begins with carefully selected bodies of water. Natural sea salt is harvested from clean, mineral-rich waters where purity can be maintained without the use of chemical additives. By sourcing sea salt from pristine waters around the world, salt artisans ensure that the final product reflects the natural mineral composition unique to each region.

Evaporation – Nature’s Role in the Process

Once seawater is gathered, it’s directed into shallow pools, often called salt pans. Here, under the watchful gaze of salt farmers, the sun and wind work together to evaporate the water. This stage is one of the most crucial in answering how sea salt is made, as it allows the salt crystals to naturally form over time. Evaporation can take several days to weeks, depending on factors like weather and humidity. As the water evaporates, salt crystals begin to take shape on the surface, and salt farmers carefully monitor the process to ensure that the crystals maintain their characteristic flavour and mineral content.

Harvesting – Skilled Artisans at Work

When the seawater has mostly evaporated, the salt crystals are ready to be harvested – this step requires the expertise of skilled artisans who can recognise the right moment to gather the salt for optimal texture and taste. Using specialised tools, they rake the salt crystals by hand, delicately breaking them off the surface without crushing or contaminating them. Artisanal harvesting techniques ensure the quality and integrity of each crystal, providing a final product that carries the full, natural flavour of the sea. This hands-on approach also allows for different types of sea salt, such as flake or fine-grain, depending on how the crystals are managed during harvesting.

Rinsing and Drying – Purity in Every Crystal

After harvesting, the sea salt is carefully rinsed to remove any impurities that may have accumulated during the evaporation process – however, this step is done sparingly to retain the trace minerals that give sea salt its unique colour, taste, and nutritional profile. The crystals are then laid out to dry under the sun, further concentrating their mineral-rich flavour. The Salt Box takes pride in sourcing sea salts that have undergone these traditional, natural methods – by doing so, we ensure that every crystal is as pure and flavourful as nature intended.

The Final Product – From the Coast to Your Kitchen

Once dried, the sea salt is ready to be packaged and shared with those who appreciate its natural goodness. At The Salt Box, our collection of sea salts (from fine grains to delicate flakes) is a testament to the skill, patience, and purity of this ancient process. We offer a range of sea salt products that not only enhance your dishes but also reflect the very essence of the waters from which they are sourced – our collection includes Celtic Sea Salt, Nordur Arctic Salt, Dead Sea Salt and more.

Discover the Difference with The Salt Box

Understanding how sea salt is made adds a new layer of appreciation to this everyday essential. When you buy sea salt from The Salt Box, you’re not only enjoying an exceptional product but also connecting to a time-honoured tradition of natural harvesting. Whether you’re seeking the vibrant taste of a flake salt or the more intense crunch of coarse crystals, our curated selection offers something for every culinary and wellness need.

Explore our range of high-quality, ethically sourced sea salts and discover how these exceptional crystals can elevate both your kitchen creations and self-care routines. At The Salt Box, we’re proud to bring you the finest salts, harvested with care, expertise, and a deep respect for nature.