From Drought to Discovery: The Founding of Redmond
The story of Redmond Real Salt begins not in a laboratory or a factory, but on a family farm in Central Utah in the late 1950s. Brothers Milo and Lamar Bosshardt, facing severe drought and struggling to make a living from their land, were looking for a new way to provide for their families. They were aware of rumors and local lore suggesting salt deposits lay beneath their property, as Native Americans had harvested salt from the area long ago. The Bosshardts decided to take a gamble, investing in excavation equipment and starting to dig. Just 30 feet below the surface of their former corn fields, they struck a massive salt deposit.
Initially, the company, Redmond Minerals, sold the salt for practical purposes, primarily as a de-icing agent for roads and as a mineral supplement for livestock. However, a turning point came when ranchers began sharing anecdotes about the improved health of their livestock and even started using the natural salt at their own dinner tables. This sparked the idea for a culinary product, and the family eventually branded and sold their unrefined salt to the public as Real Salt, tapping into the growing interest in natural health foods.
The Geological Journey: A Prehistoric Seabed
The unique composition and purity of Redmond Real Salt can be attributed to its remarkable geological history. Millions of years ago, a vast inland body of water, known as the Sundance Sea, covered the area. As this sea receded, a mineral-rich salt bed was left behind. A subsequent volcanic eruption sealed this deposit under a protective layer of volcanic ash and bentonite clay. This geological encapsulation is crucial for two reasons:
- Protection from Pollution: The ancient deposit was formed long before modern industrial pollution and microplastics existed. The protective clay layer further shielded it from modern-day contaminants.
- Mineral Preservation: Unlike modern sea salt, which can vary in mineral content, the Redmond deposit has retained a consistent and diverse mineral profile, including over 60 trace minerals that were present in the ancient sea.
This makes it a geologically distinct product, offering a different nutritional profile and flavor compared to both modern sea salts and refined table salt.
Ethical and Sustainable Mining Practices
Redmond's commitment to natural, real products extends to its mining methods. The company employs sustainable and ethical practices to harvest the salt.
Key practices include:
- Underground 'Room-and-Pillar' Mining: Instead of open-pit mining, which can cause significant surface damage, Redmond uses a 'room-and-pillar' technique that minimizes environmental impact.
- No Explosives for Culinary Salt: To maintain the purity of the food-grade salt, it is harvested using a stainless steel hydraulic rotary tool rather than explosives.
- Renewable Energy: The mine and mill operations are partially powered by solar fields, helping to reduce the company's carbon footprint.
- Ethical Labor: The company emphasizes providing fair wages and excellent working conditions for its employees.
Redmond Real Salt vs. Other Salts: A Nutritional Diet Perspective
When considering a nutrition diet, the type of salt used can be a point of discussion. Here's a comparison to highlight the differences.
| Feature | Redmond Real Salt | Standard Table Salt | Himalayan Pink Salt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Minimally processed, unrefined; nothing added or taken away. | Heavily processed, bleached, and heat-treated. | Unrefined, mined from ancient deposits in Pakistan. |
| Mineral Content | Contains over 60 trace minerals, including naturally balanced sodium and potassium. | Stripped of most minerals; often fortified with synthetic iodine. | Contains trace minerals like iron, giving it its color, similar mineral profile to Redmond. |
| Additives | Additive-free; no anti-caking agents or dextrose. | Contains anti-caking agents (like sodium ferrocyanide) to prevent clumping. | Additive-free, though quality can vary between suppliers. |
| Origin | Ancient seabed in Redmond, Utah, USA. | Various sources, processed centrally. | Ancient deposits in the Punjab region of Pakistan. |
| Purity | Protected from modern pollutants like microplastics. | Potential for modern ocean pollutants if sourced from modern sea. | Also from ancient deposits, thus protected from modern pollution. |
The Role of Redmond Real Salt in a Nutrition Diet
Choosing a less processed, mineral-rich salt like Redmond Real Salt aligns with a holistic approach to nutrition. While both refined and unrefined salts are primarily sodium chloride, the presence of trace minerals in Redmond's product is often cited by health-conscious individuals and is central to Redmond's own marketing.
Some potential benefits cited by proponents of unrefined salts for nutritional diets include:
- Electrolyte Balance: The naturally occurring electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium, support hydration and proper nerve and muscle function, which is particularly beneficial for athletes or those on specific diets like keto.
- Digestive Support: The chloride in salt is a vital component of stomach acid, and some believe the natural minerals in unrefined salt can aid digestive health.
- Flavor Enhancement: The complex mineral profile provides a more subtle and sweeter taste that enhances the flavor of food, potentially allowing individuals to use less salt overall.
It is important to remember that all salt, refined or unrefined, should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Individuals on low-sodium diets or with specific health concerns should consult a healthcare provider. For further reading on the difference between refined and unrefined salt, visit Redmond Life.
Conclusion
The story behind Redmond Real Salt is a blend of geological fortune and an entrepreneurial spirit born out of necessity. From a drought-ridden Utah farm to a globally recognized brand, the Bosshardt family's discovery of an ancient seabed has provided a pure, unrefined, and mineral-rich salt for those seeking natural food options. This history, combined with a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, has solidified Redmond Real Salt's reputation as a premium, health-conscious alternative to conventional table salt in the world of nutrition and diet.
