Sourcing and Origin: Ancient Sea vs. Modern Mine
The most fundamental distinction between Redmond Real Salt and regular salt lies in their origin and the journey they take from the earth to your table. Regular table salt is typically derived from modern salt deposits or evaporated seawater, which is then heavily processed. In contrast, Redmond Real Salt is harvested from a single, ancient seabed deep beneath the earth in Redmond, Utah.
This source, geologists say, is the remnant of the prehistoric Sundance Sea from the Jurassic period. For millions of years, a layer of protective bentonite clay and volcanic ash has shielded this deposit from modern pollutants. This pristine, protected origin is a key selling point for Redmond, as it ensures the salt is free from the microplastics and contaminants that are increasingly found in modern oceans.
The Processing: Unrefined Purity vs. Industrial Refinement
Another significant difference is the degree of processing each salt undergoes. The industrial process for regular table salt involves multiple, high-heat refinement stages to strip away minerals and achieve a pure white color and uniform grain. This process typically involves:
- Solution Mining: Pumping water underground to dissolve salt deposits and create a brine.
- Chemical Treatment: Treating the brine with chemicals to remove magnesium and calcium salts.
- Vacuum Evaporation: Using a vacuum to evaporate the water at high temperatures, which produces a fine, highly pure salt.
- Additive Inclusion: Adding anti-caking agents like calcium silicate to prevent clumping, and sometimes synthetic iodine.
Redmond Real Salt, by contrast, is harvested with minimal processing. Large excavators use carbide teeth to grind the salt from the mine walls. The harvested salt is then simply crushed and screened into different grain sizes. No chemicals, anti-caking agents, or artificial additives are introduced. The final product is delivered to consumers just as nature created it.
Nutritional and Flavor Differences
Mineral Profile
The difference in processing directly impacts the mineral content. Because regular salt is refined to be almost 100% sodium chloride, it loses the dozens of trace minerals that exist in natural salt deposits. Redmond Real Salt, however, retains the more than 60 trace minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, that were present in the ancient seabed. This is the reason for its distinctive pinkish hue and more complex flavor.
Flavor Profile
The mineral content also affects the taste. While regular salt has a very sharp, one-dimensional saltiness, Redmond Real Salt is often described as having a more subtle, slightly sweet, and balanced flavor profile. This is because the full spectrum of minerals creates a unique flavor complexity that is absent in highly refined salt. Many chefs and home cooks report that Redmond Real Salt enhances the natural flavor of food rather than overpowering it.
Iodine Content
Another point of difference is iodine. Regular table salt is commonly fortified with synthetic iodine to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. While Redmond Real Salt contains a small, naturally occurring amount of iodine, it is not artificially supplemented. Individuals concerned about iodine intake should be mindful of this difference and ensure they are receiving adequate amounts from other dietary sources.
Comparison Table: Redmond Real Salt vs. Regular Salt
| Feature | Redmond Real Salt | Regular Table Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Ancient inland sea bed in Redmond, Utah, shielded from modern pollutants. | Modern salt deposits or seawater, often subject to modern environmental contaminants. |
| Processing | Minimally processed; simply crushed and screened after mining. | Highly refined using heat and chemical treatments to strip minerals. |
| Mineral Content | Rich in over 60 naturally occurring trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. | Stripped of most trace minerals, resulting in nearly pure sodium chloride. |
| Appearance | Varies in color from pink to white due to mineral content. | Uniformly white due to extensive refining. |
| Additives | Additive-free and contains no anti-caking agents. | Typically includes anti-caking agents and often synthetic iodine. |
| Flavor | Subtle, slightly sweet, and complex due to full mineral profile. | Sharp, pure salty taste due to high sodium chloride concentration. |
| Health Focus | Prized for its natural, unrefined mineral profile. | Historically used for iodine fortification; consistent sodium levels for manufacturing. |
Who is Each Salt For?
Choosing between Redmond Real Salt and regular salt often comes down to personal priorities, including health concerns, culinary preferences, and budget.
- For the Health-Conscious Cook: Those prioritizing natural, unprocessed ingredients and seeking additional trace minerals may prefer Redmond Real Salt. Its unprocessed state means you get salt in its most natural form, free from the synthetic additives found in many regular salts. For those interested in deeper research on this topic, Dr. David Brownstein's book, Salt Your Way to Health, provides extensive information on the distinction between refined and unrefined salt.
- For Everyday Baking and Cooking: Regular table salt's uniform texture and consistent sodium level make it the standard for most recipes, especially in baking where precise measurements are crucial. Its affordability and universal availability also make it a kitchen staple.
- For the Flavor Enthusiast: The complex flavor profile of Redmond Real Salt can be a game-changer for finishing dishes and adding a nuanced taste that regular salt simply can't match. Some culinary professionals and home cooks notice a distinct taste improvement in their final products.
Conclusion
While all salt is fundamentally sodium chloride, the crucial difference between Redmond Real Salt and regular salt lies in their journey and purity. Regular salt is a highly refined product designed for consistency and mass production, often containing synthetic additives. Redmond Real Salt, on the other hand, is a minimally processed, ancient sea salt that retains a full spectrum of natural trace minerals from its protected Utah source. This results in differences in flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. For a more mineral-rich, unprocessed option that enhances flavor, Redmond Real Salt is the clear winner, while regular salt remains a reliable and affordable option for general cooking and baking where consistency is paramount.
Visit the official Redmond Life website for more information on Real Salt.
