What is Real Salt? The Unrefined Standard
At its core, what is considered to be Real Salt is any salt that remains largely in its natural, unprocessed state, with nothing added and nothing taken away. This definition is vital because it separates natural salts from the heavily refined table salt that dominates most kitchens. While Redmond's trademarked Real Salt® brand is a prime example of this standard, the concept also applies to other unrefined varieties like Himalayan and Celtic sea salts. These salts are prized for their complex flavors and the wealth of trace minerals they retain, which are stripped out during the industrial refining process for standard table salt. The key difference lies not in the sodium chloride content, which is the primary component of all salt, but in the presence of dozens of other beneficial minerals that contribute to color, flavor, and nutritional value.
Unlike the bright white color of processed salt, which is often bleached, real salts display natural hues from their mineral impurities—from the pinkish tint of Redmond salt, due to iron, to the grayish tone of Celtic sea salt, caused by residual clay.
The Source and Character of Natural Salts
The origin and harvesting method are crucial to the identity of a real, unrefined salt. Each type possesses unique characteristics influenced by its environment.
Redmond Real Salt (Utah)
This ancient sea salt is mined from an underground salt deposit in Redmond, Utah, that was formed millions of years ago. Protected for millennia under layers of volcanic ash and clay, the deposit has been shielded from modern environmental pollutants. The mining process is minimally invasive, using sustainable methods to harvest the salt, which is then simply crushed and screened. This results in an unrefined, additive-free salt with over 60 trace minerals.
Himalayan Pink Salt (Pakistan)
Another popular unrefined option, Himalayan salt, is sourced from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, one of the world’s oldest and largest. Like Redmond salt, it comes from an ancient ocean deposit and contains a similar spectrum of minerals. Its famous pink hue comes from the presence of iron oxide, and its flavor is often described as slightly earthier than Redmond's sweeter profile.
Celtic Sea Salt (France)
Harvested by hand from the salt marshes along the coast of France, Celtic sea salt is a modern sea salt produced by evaporating seawater. It has a high moisture content, which gives it a moist, coarse texture. While it contains beneficial trace minerals, it can be more susceptible to modern ocean pollutants than salts from ancient deposits.
The Problem with Processed Table Salt
Processed table salt is the opposite of unrefined, real salt. During production, it is extensively refined to remove impurities, a process that strips away all beneficial trace minerals. What remains is almost pure sodium chloride (97-99%). To achieve its free-flowing, pure white appearance, manufacturers add artificial ingredients:
- Anti-caking agents: Chemicals like sodium aluminosilicate or magnesium carbonate are added to prevent clumping.
- Iodine: This is often added artificially to fortify the diet, although natural salts contain some iodine.
- Dextrose: A form of sugar is sometimes added to stabilize the iodine.
This aggressive processing and inclusion of additives give table salt a harsher, one-dimensional salty taste compared to the more nuanced flavor of unrefined salts.
Why Choose Unrefined Real Salt?
Choosing unrefined salt offers several advantages, both culinary and nutritional.
- Enhanced Flavor Profile: The diverse mineral composition in unrefined salts creates a more complex and subtle flavor, enhancing rather than overpowering food's natural taste.
- Rich Mineral Content: Real salt provides the body with a full complement of trace minerals and electrolytes that refined salt lacks, supporting various bodily functions.
- Additive-Free: Unrefined salts contain no anti-caking agents, dextrose, or other artificial additives, appealing to those who prefer whole, natural ingredients.
- Supports Hydration: The balanced mineral profile of unrefined salt helps the body regulate fluid levels and electrolyte balance, which is crucial for staying hydrated.
Comparison of Common Salts
| Feature | Refined Table Salt | Redmond Real Salt | Himalayan Pink Salt | Celtic Sea Salt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Underground mines | Ancient Utah seabed | Ancient Pakistani mines | Modern French sea |
| Processing | Heavily refined, bleached, heat-processed | Minimally processed, crushed, and screened | Minimally processed, hand-extracted | Minimally processed, evaporated |
| Trace Minerals | Stripped out | Contains 60+ trace minerals | Contains many trace minerals (up to 84) | Retains many trace minerals |
| Additives | Anti-caking agents, iodine (sometimes dextrose) | None | None | None |
| Color | Pure white | Pinkish, speckled | Pink | Gray, moist |
| Flavor | Sharply salty, one-note | Subtle, slightly sweet | Earthy | Salty, complex texture |
How to Identify Real Salt
Identifying true unrefined salt is easier than you might think. First, look for a lack of anti-caking agents in the ingredients list; these are chemicals used to prevent clumping. Natural clumping is actually a sign of real, hygroscopic salt that readily absorbs moisture from the air. Next, observe its appearance: real salt is not stark white. The presence of natural color variations, from pink and gray to speckled flecks, indicates a rich mineral content. Finally, consider the source. Salts from ancient, protected deposits like Redmond in Utah or Khewra in Pakistan are free from modern pollutants, unlike some salts harvested from today's oceans. Look for reputable brands and read the label carefully to ensure it aligns with a truly unprocessed product. For more detailed information on unrefined salts, a reliable resource is the MasterClass article on unrefined salt.
Conclusion
Understanding what is considered to be Real Salt reveals a world of variety beyond the standard salt shaker. By choosing an unrefined salt—be it the Redmond brand from Utah, Himalayan pink salt from Pakistan, or Celtic sea salt from France—consumers can gain a product rich in natural minerals with a more complex flavor profile. The distinction lies in the minimal processing that preserves the salt's inherent qualities, contrasting sharply with the harsh refining and additives of conventional table salt. Making the switch can not only enhance the taste of your food but also align with a preference for more natural, wholesome ingredients.
