The Origin and Identity of Real Salt
First and foremost, Real Salt is the trademarked product of the Redmond Life company. It is not related to Celtic salt in any way other than both being unrefined mineral salts. Real Salt is harvested from an ancient, pristine seabed located deep underground near Redmond, Utah. Millions of years ago, a massive inland sea, known as the Sundance Sea, covered the area. Over time, the salt left behind was protected by layers of volcanic ash and bentonite clay, shielding it from modern-day environmental pollutants.
This unique geological history results in Real Salt containing over 60 natural trace minerals that were present in that ancient seawater. These minerals give the salt a characteristic pink or reddish color and a distinct, subtly sweet flavor profile. The salt is mined using sustainable, room-and-pillar mining methods and is left in its raw, unprocessed state, with nothing added and nothing removed.
The Origin and Identity of Celtic Salt
Celtic salt, often sold under the brand Celtic Sea Salt by Selina Naturally, is a modern sea salt harvested from the Atlantic coast of France and other regions. Its traditional collection method involves a system of shallow, clay-lined salt marshes and tidal pools. The seawater is channeled into these pools, where sun and wind evaporate the water, leaving behind salt crystals.
The most recognizable feature of Celtic salt is its moist, light grey appearance, which comes from the minerals it absorbs from the clay beds during the crystallization process. Unlike Real Salt, Celtic salt is a wetter salt, which adds a unique texture and briny flavor to dishes. Because it is harvested from the current ocean, some people raise concerns about potential exposure to modern ocean pollutants like plastics and heavy metals, though it is still considered a high-quality unrefined salt.
Comparing Real Salt vs. Celtic Salt
To effectively differentiate between these two popular salts, a direct comparison is helpful. While both are celebrated for their unrefined nature and mineral content, their origins and characteristics set them apart.
| Feature | Real Salt | Celtic Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Redmond Life | Selina Naturally (brand name Celtic Sea Salt) |
| Origin | Ancient seabed in Redmond, Utah, USA | Modern coastlines, traditionally from France |
| Harvesting Method | Underground mining | Hand-harvested from clay-lined tidal pools |
| Color | Pink/Reddish hue | Light grey (sel gris) |
| Moisture Content | Very low, dry crystals | High, naturally moist and slightly clumpy |
| Flavor Profile | Subtly sweet and never bitter | Mildly briny with a unique flavor from the extra moisture |
| Environmental Purity | Protected from modern pollutants by layers of ash and clay | Potential exposure to modern ocean pollution |
Mineral Claims and Health Benefits
Both Real Salt and Celtic salt are prized for containing trace minerals that are stripped out of refined table salt during processing. Real Salt boasts over 60 minerals, while Celtic salt also contains a broad spectrum, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
However, it is important to note that the term 'trace minerals' means they are present in very small amounts. Health experts and nutritionists caution that while these salts offer a more complete mineral profile, the quantities are often too small to provide any significant health benefits compared to getting minerals from whole foods, vegetables, and fruits. The primary health benefit of both salts over table salt is that they are unrefined and free of anti-caking agents and other additives. Claims that one type of salt is definitively 'healthier' than another should be approached with skepticism, and a balanced diet remains the best source for essential nutrients.
Key Differences Summarized
- Origin: The most significant difference is their origin. Real Salt is from an ancient seabed in Utah, while Celtic salt is from modern ocean water.
- Processing: Both are unrefined, but they use different harvesting techniques: underground mining for Real Salt and hand-harvesting from coastal ponds for Celtic salt.
- Appearance and Texture: Real Salt is a drier, pink salt, whereas Celtic salt is characteristically moist and grey.
- Environmental Factors: Real Salt's ancient, protected source is free from modern ocean pollutants, a factor not applicable to modern Celtic salt harvesting.
Conclusion
To reiterate, Real Salt and Celtic salt are entirely different products sold by different brands. Real Salt is an ancient pink rock salt from Utah, and Celtic salt is a modern grey sea salt from France. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference regarding flavor, texture, and origin story rather than significant health advantages. Both offer a step up from heavily processed table salt by providing a fuller mineral profile and being free of additives. Knowing their distinct backgrounds helps clear up the common confusion surrounding these popular unrefined salts. For more information on different salts and their properties, consulting a reliable health resource like WebMD can be beneficial.
