Origins: Ancient Bedrock vs. Modern Seashore
One of the most significant differences between Real Salt and Celtic salt is their origin, which directly impacts their purity and mineral composition.
Where does Real Salt come from?
Real Salt, often associated with the Redmond brand, is harvested from an ancient underground salt deposit in Redmond, Utah. This vast deposit is the remnant of a prehistoric inland sea and has been protected for millions of years under a layer of volcanic ash and bentonite clay. This geological insulation means that the salt has not been exposed to modern-day pollutants and microplastics, resulting in a remarkably pure product. It is mined using sustainable, room-and-pillar mining methods, preserving its unrefined state.
Where does Celtic salt come from?
Celtic salt, or sel gris, is traditionally hand-harvested from coastal regions, particularly along the Brittany coast of France. Seawater is channeled into clay-lined salt marshes where it evaporates naturally under the sun and wind. The salt is scraped by hand, and its characteristic moist, grey color comes from the minerals absorbed from the clay. While the traditional harvesting methods are artisanal, the salt is derived from modern ocean water, which exposes it to potential environmental contaminants, a concern not shared by Real Salt.
The Harvesting and Processing Methods
Both salts are prized for being unrefined, meaning they are not subjected to the intense heat or chemical bleaching of conventional table salt. However, their specific harvesting and handling methods contribute to their final state.
Real Salt’s Minimalist Approach
After being mined from the underground deposit, Real Salt is simply crushed and screened. Nothing is added, and nothing is removed. This process preserves the full spectrum of over 60 trace minerals present in the deposit. The final product is a dry, finely ground or coarse salt with a reddish-pink hue from its mineral content, primarily iron oxide.
Celtic Salt’s Traditional Method
Celtic salt is hand-harvested and allowed to retain some of its brine, which gives it a noticeably higher moisture content than most other salts. The salt is not dried out completely, which some believe helps it to hold onto more minerals. This moist texture and the grey color from the clay lining are distinguishing features of authentic Celtic salt.
Mineral Content and Flavor Profile
The unique origins and processing methods of each salt influence its mineral makeup and, consequently, its flavor.
Real Salt’s Subtle Sweetness
With over 60 naturally occurring trace minerals, Real Salt boasts a subtly sweet, never-bitter flavor profile. This richness enhances the flavors of food rather than overpowering them. Its balanced mineral composition, including potassium, helps mitigate the potentially problematic effects of sodium.
Celtic Salt’s Briny Complexity
Celtic salt also contains a rich blend of trace minerals, including higher levels of magnesium and calcium compared to Himalayan salt, giving it a more complex, briny flavor. Its moist texture and bold taste make it a sought-after finishing salt for dishes.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Real Salt vs. Celtic Salt
| Feature | Real Salt | Celtic Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mined from an ancient, protected seabed in Redmond, Utah. | Hand-harvested from modern ocean water in coastal regions like Brittany, France. |
| Protection from Pollutants | Protected for millions of years from modern environmental toxins like microplastics. | Harvested from today’s oceans, with potential exposure to modern pollutants. |
| Processing | Crushed and screened; nothing is added or removed. | Hand-harvested and sun-dried, retaining natural moisture and brine. |
| Appearance & Texture | Dry, pinkish-red crystals; available in various grinds. | Moist, greyish-hued crystals; typically coarser and wetter. |
| Flavor Profile | Subtly sweet and mild with no bitterness. | Bold, briny, and mineral-rich. |
| Primary Use | Versatile for everyday cooking and seasoning. | Excellent as a finishing salt due to its distinct texture and flavor. |
The Takeaway: Choosing the Right Salt for You
The choice between Real Salt and Celtic salt ultimately depends on personal preference and your specific priorities. Both are excellent unrefined alternatives to heavily processed table salt, offering valuable trace minerals.
If you prioritize a salt sourced from a pristine, ancient environment completely free from modern ocean contaminants, Real Salt is the clear winner. Its subtly sweet flavor and dry, versatile nature make it an ideal everyday salt for a wide variety of dishes. For those who prefer a moist, briny flavor and a coarser texture for finishing dishes, Celtic salt is a fantastic option, though its origin in modern oceans is a point of consideration.
Regardless of your choice, integrating unrefined salt into your diet is a step toward consuming a more natural and mineral-rich product. To see the full comparison of Real Salt and Celtic Salt, as well as other gourmet salts, you can visit the Redmond Life website for their informative comparison page: https://redmond.life/blogs/live-your-journey/the-difference-between-redmond-real-salt-celtic-and-himalayan-salt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Real Salt and Celtic salt are celebrated as unrefined, mineral-rich alternatives to table salt, they are not the same. They differ fundamentally in their source and harvesting process. Real Salt is an ancient rock salt mined from a geologically protected deposit in Utah, while Celtic salt is a modern sea salt collected from coastal regions like Brittany, France. These differences impact their final mineral balance, moisture level, color, and flavor profile, offering distinct experiences for discerning cooks and health enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary recommendations.
