The Origins of Redmond Real Salt: An Ancient Legacy
Millions of years ago, a vast prehistoric ocean covered what is now the Western United States. As geological shifts occurred, this ocean receded, leaving behind a massive, concentrated salt deposit in what would become Redmond, Utah. This ancient seabed was then protected from modern pollutants and erosion by a layer of volcanic ash, preserving the salt in its pristine, mineral-rich state. Today, this underground mine is the source of Redmond Real Salt, a product that reflects the purity and complexity of that ancient marine environment. This deep geological history is a cornerstone of the salt’s identity, guaranteeing an origin free from modern-day environmental contaminants and pollutants. The salt is carefully harvested, with the entire process from mine to table designed to preserve its natural integrity.
What is Redmond Real Salt made of?: The Mineral Breakdown
The primary component of Redmond Real Salt is sodium chloride, typically making up around 91–96% of its total composition. However, what truly sets it apart is the remaining 4–9%, which consists of over 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals. These minerals are what give the salt its distinct, subtly sweet flavor profile and its unique pink, red, and black specks. The mineral profile is comprehensive and includes several vital elements for human health:
- Sodium (Na): Essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
- Chloride (Cl): Works with sodium to regulate fluid balance and is vital for digestion.
- Calcium (Ca): Important for bone health and muscle function.
- Potassium (K): Helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Magnesium (Mg): Supports muscle and nerve function, and blood sugar control.
- Iron (Fe): Vital for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
- Iodine (I): Naturally occurring in small amounts, supporting thyroid function.
- Phosphorus (P): Important for bone formation and energy production.
- Zinc (Zn): Essential for immune function and wound healing.
- Manganese (Mn): Supports bone formation and blood clotting.
- Copper (Cu): Plays a role in iron metabolism and immune function.
- Sulfur (S): Necessary for synthesizing certain amino acids and vitamins.
From Mine to Table: An Unrefined Process
The journey of Redmond Real Salt from its ancient underground deposit to your kitchen table is designed to be as minimal and natural as possible. The company avoids the extensive and harsh processing methods used for many commercial salts, ensuring the final product is pure and additive-free.
The Harvesting Process
The salt is carefully mined using a stainless steel hydraulic rotary tool, avoiding explosives that could contaminate the mineral. After extraction, the raw salt is transported to a mill.
Crushing and Screening
At the mill, the large salt crystals are crushed into smaller grains and passed through a series of screens to separate them by size. This process results in various product textures, from fine-grain table salt to coarse salt for grinders.
Minimal Processing, Maximum Purity
Because Redmond Real Salt is mined from such a pure source, it doesn't need to be bleached, heated, or treated with chemicals. It is also free of anti-caking agents, which are commonly found in refined table salts. This minimal intervention ensures that all the natural trace minerals remain intact, providing a healthier and more flavorful product. The final product is simply crushed and packaged in a clean environment before being sent out to stores.
How Redmond Real Salt Compares to Other Salts
When choosing a salt for a nutrition diet, it's important to understand the differences in processing and mineral content. Redmond Real Salt is fundamentally different from both refined table salt and other natural salts like Himalayan pink salt.
| Feature | Redmond Real Salt | Refined Table Salt | Himalayan Pink Salt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Ancient seabed in Utah, USA. | Modern sea water or underground deposits. | Ancient mountain range in Punjab, Pakistan. |
| Processing | Unrefined, minimally processed (mined, crushed, screened). | Highly refined, heated, and stripped of most minerals. | Unrefined, but often requires longer transport to North America. |
| Mineral Content | Over 60 trace minerals retained naturally. | Stripped of most natural minerals, containing mostly just sodium chloride. | Contains a full spectrum of minerals, similar to Redmond. |
| Additives | None added; free of anti-caking agents. | Contains anti-caking agents and often added iodine. | None added, no anti-caking agents. |
| Taste | Subtly sweet, full-bodied, and complex due to mineral profile. | One-dimensional, sharp salty taste. | Slightly earthier flavor profile than Redmond. |
Nutritional and Dietary Benefits
Because of its full mineral profile, Redmond Real Salt is often considered a healthier option in a balanced nutrition diet. It provides essential electrolytes that are crucial for proper hydration, especially for those who are physically active. The balanced mineral content, including sodium and potassium, helps the body maintain fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function. Some proponents of unrefined salts also suggest that the trace minerals can aid in adrenal function and digestive health.
However, it's important to remember that all salt, whether refined or unrefined, should be consumed in moderation. Global health organizations recommend limiting daily salt intake to help prevent conditions like hypertension. By using a naturally flavorful salt like Redmond Real Salt, some people find they can use less of it to achieve the desired taste, which may help with overall sodium reduction. Incorporating it into a diet rich in whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, aligns with broader healthy eating principles.
Conclusion
In summary, what is Redmond Real Salt made of is a testament to natural purity and a rich geological history. Sourced from a pristine, ancient seabed in Utah, it is composed of primarily sodium chloride alongside over 60 beneficial trace minerals. Its unprocessed nature means it is free from the additives found in conventional table salt, offering a more flavorful and nutritionally diverse alternative. While it is a better choice for those seeking a less refined option, it is still a form of sodium and should be used as part of a balanced and mindful diet for optimal health. The unique mineral content and minimal processing make it a superior choice for enhancing the flavor of food while providing supplemental trace nutrients.
For more information on the product and its mining process, visit the official Redmond Life website: Mine to Table | The Process Behind Real Salt - Redmond Life.
