Explore the complex history and science behind salt, including its role in wars, innovations, and human life. Learn about the different types of salt and their characteristics, reducing salt intake, ancient Chinese salt cultivation, and the historical significance of salt. Discover the properties of salt, different sources, and salt harvesting methods. You'll also dive into salt blends and its fascinating history, including its use as currency and literary references.
Salt has played a crucial role in human history, from preservation to trade and flavor enhancement.
Different types of salt have distinct flavor profiles, allowing for versatile use in cooking and finishing dishes.
Salt blends offer a palette of flavors to create unique culinary experiences and enhance the taste of various dishes.
Deep dives
The Significance of Salt in Human History
Salt has played a crucial role in human history, being used for preservation, trade, and enhancing flavors. It was gathered from salt licks and trails left by animals, leading to the development of trade routes. China had early salt cultivation methods using clay pots and later iron pans, while ancient Egyptians used salt in mummification. Salt production in Rome led to the establishment of major roads, and Venice gained wealth through its control over the salt trade. The production of salt involves various methods such as mining, solar evaporation, and boiling seawater. Different types of salt have distinct flavor profiles, influenced by the region they come from.
The Versatility and Flavor-Enhancing Qualities of Salt
Salt is not just a seasoning; it acts as a flavor enhancer and moderator. It adds depth and amplifies the flavors in food. Salt works by highlighting and balancing flavors, making dishes more enjoyable. It has been used as a preservative since ancient times and has antiseptic properties. Different salts, such as kosher salt, flake salt, and sea salt, have different grain sizes and dissolve differently, allowing for versatile use in cooking and finishing dishes. The choice of salt depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.
Salt Blends and the Art of Telling Food Stories
Salt blends offer a palette of flavors that can be used to tell food stories and create unique culinary experiences. Beautiful Briny Sea, a company specializing in salt blends, uses a base salt sourced from the Atlantic Ocean to create their blends. The blends include flavors like rosemary, lavender, mushroom, pink peppercorn, smoked paprika, garlic, herbs de Provence, cumin, sumac, and chilies. These blends capture the essence of dishes such as French picnics, campfire flavors, and childhood memories, enhancing the taste and bringing depth to various culinary creations.
Historical Significance of Salt
Throughout history, salt has held a significant role and has even served as currency in some regions. It was used to pay for gold in Africa and served as currency in Ethiopia until 1935. The high taxes imposed on salt in France contributed to the grievances that led to the French Revolution. Gandhi protested against British control of Indian salt production by leading a Salt March. Salt's importance in the military was also recognized, with Confederate soldiers working in salt production being exempt from military service during the American Civil War.
Chemical Properties and Superstitions
Salt possesses remarkable chemical properties. When mixed with water, it lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point, making it useful for salting roads and cooking pasta. Its hygroscopic nature allows it to attract water molecules and act as a preservative. This property helps prevent the growth of microorganisms in food. Salt has also been associated with religious and superstitious beliefs. It is considered divine by some cultures and is used in various rituals for purification and protection against evil spirits.
Salt -- necessary for human life yet easy to overeat -- has sparked wars and innovations alike. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the complex history and science behind this edible mineral, plus talk to expert Suzi Sheffield about how salts can provide a palate of flavors to play with in your cooking.
