Where does Redmond's Real Salt come from?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Millions of years ago, a vast inland sea covered what is now Central Utah, and the remnants of that sea are precisely where Redmond's Real Salt comes from. Mined from deep underground, this unrefined salt retains a mineral profile untouched by modern environmental pollutants.

Quick Summary

Redmond Real Salt originates from a pristine, ancient seabed deposit in Redmond, Utah, shielded by volcanic ash and clay for millions of years from modern contaminants.

Key Points

Ancient Origin: Redmond's Real Salt comes from an ancient, inland seabed in Central Utah, a remnant of the Jurassic-era Sundance Sea.
Protected Purity: Buried and protected by volcanic ash and clay for millions of years, the salt deposit is free from modern environmental pollutants and microplastics.
Unrefined and Natural: Unlike processed table salt, Real Salt is unrefined, unprocessed, and contains no additives or anti-caking agents.
Sustainable Mining: The company uses a solar-powered, environmentally conscious "room and pillar" mining method to extract the salt.
Rich Mineral Content: Real Salt retains over 60 trace minerals, which contribute to its unique, subtly sweet flavor and potential health benefits.
Ethical Sourcing: As a locally sourced and American-mined product, Real Salt supports ethical labor practices and has a smaller carbon footprint than imported salts.
Farmer's Discovery: The salt was discovered in the 1950s by farmers seeking a new water source, who initially supplied it to livestock with surprising health benefits.

The Ancient History Buried Under Utah

Geologically speaking, the story of Redmond Real Salt begins in the Jurassic Period, roughly 200 to 145 million years ago. At that time, an ancient inland sea known as the Sundance Sea covered much of the Western United States. As geological shifts occurred and the sea receded and evaporated, it left behind a massive, concentrated salt deposit. This salt was then buried and protected for millions of years by subsequent layers of volcanic ash and bentonite clay, effectively sealing it away from the surface and any modern-day environmental contaminants. Tectonic plate movements eventually pushed this deep salt vein closer to the surface, making it accessible for discovery much later.

The Discovery and Founding

Fast forward to the 1950s in Redmond, Utah. Brothers Lamar and Milo Bosshardt were struggling farmers on land where Native Americans had long known salt was present. Seeking a way to improve their livestock's health and provide a living for their families, they decided to dig for a new water source. Instead of water, their shovels hit a hard layer of salt just 30 feet below the surface. They initially sold the salt for de-icing roads and to local ranchers, who noted improved health in their herds. It wasn't long before the ranchers started using the palatable salt for their own families, and the culinary brand, Real Salt, was born.

Sustainable and Ethical Mining Practices

Unlike some other salt harvesting methods, the extraction of Real Salt is a carefully controlled and sustainable process. Instead of open-pit mining, the company utilizes a "room and pillar" method, which minimizes surface impact. Specialized hydraulic, stainless steel rotary tools are used in the food-grade sections of the mine to chip away at the salt walls, avoiding the use of explosives. For the surface processing, the salt is transported in food-grade lined trucks to a stainless-steel mill. The entire operation in Redmond, Utah is powered by solar fields, further reducing its environmental footprint and ensuring ethical labor standards are met throughout the process.

What Makes Real Salt Stand Out?

Beyond its ancient and pure origins, Real Salt is distinguished by what it doesn't contain. While many commercial table salts are heavily processed, bleached, and stripped of their natural mineral content, Real Salt is kept in its natural state.

A Natural, Unrefined Product

No Additives: Real Salt is additive-free, containing no anti-caking agents or dextrose, which are often found in standard table salt.
No Pollution: Because it is sourced from an ancient, sealed deposit, it is naturally protected from the modern environmental pollutants and microplastics that can contaminate modern sea salts.
Mineral Rich: It retains over 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals, giving it a unique flavor profile and potential health benefits.

Comparison of Different Salt Types


Feature	Redmond Real Salt	Himalayan Pink Salt	Refined Table Salt
Origin	Ancient seabed, Utah, USA	Ancient seabed, Punjab region, Pakistan	Modern rock salt deposits or evaporated brine
Refinement	Unrefined and minimally processed	Unrefined and minimally processed	Highly refined, bleached, and heat-processed
Additives	None added (natural clumping is normal)	None added, but purity can vary by brand	Often contains anti-caking agents and added iodine
Mineral Profile	60+ trace minerals	Many trace minerals (approx. 84 claimed)	Stripped of most natural minerals
Flavor	Subtly sweet and balanced	Earthier, stronger flavor	Harsh, pure salt taste
Purity	Protected from modern pollutants	Generally pure, but sourcing can vary	No natural impurities, but chemical processing involved
Sustainability	Mined locally in the USA (for North America)	Requires longer transport, higher environmental impact	Sourced globally; can have a large carbon footprint

Conclusion: From Ancient Seabed to Your Kitchen

For those who prioritize clean, natural ingredients, understanding where Redmond's Real Salt comes from provides significant peace of mind. Its journey from a pristine, ancient seabed in Utah to your table is a testament to minimal processing and a commitment to preserving the salt's natural, mineral-rich integrity. While the health benefits of trace minerals should be considered alongside a balanced diet, the unique flavor and purity of this unprocessed salt make it a compelling choice for both culinary use and a lifestyle that values authenticity. Choosing Real Salt means opting for a product with a transparent history and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, offering a taste of nature's purity in every pinch.

For more information on Real Salt's mineral profile, you can view the full analysis on the Redmond website: Real Salt Mineral Analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Redmond's Real Salt is sourced from an ancient sea salt deposit located in Redmond, Utah. This deposit is the remnant of a vast prehistoric inland sea that existed during the Jurassic Period.

The salt deposit was buried and protected by layers of volcanic ash and bentonite clay for millions of years, isolating it from the man-made pollutants that affect modern oceans.

Real Salt is mined using a sustainable, underground 'room and pillar' method. Food-grade rotary tools are used to extract the salt, and the entire operation is solar-powered.

No, Redmond Real Salt is unrefined and does not contain any additives, including anti-caking agents. Natural clumping is normal and can be addressed by adding rice to the shaker.

Both are unrefined, ancient salts with trace minerals. The main difference is origin: Real Salt is from Utah (USA), while Himalayan salt is from Pakistan. Real Salt is said to have a sweeter flavor, while Himalayan has an earthier taste.

Redmond Real Salt contains over 60 naturally occurring trace minerals, including essential electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

The unique color of Real Salt, which resembles terrazzo with pink, red, and black specks, comes from the rich mineral content found naturally in the deposit.