Himalayan pink salt has been mined in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains for millions of years. Today, the deposits are depleted and the high cost of salt has made it a precious gemstone. The Himalayan Salt Regulations Control Organization protects the deposit, however, the reserves continue to dwindle. Governments and mining companies are working hard to find alternative ways to extract the salt without wrecking the environment.
Himalayan pink salt crystal is the saltiest salt on earth, rivaling even diamond in terms of its purity. It was once mined by ancient Indians as a method of purifying the water they used to live in. They used high-pressure water and squeezed the crystals with a stick to sterilize the water. They then sprinkled the water over food and allowed it to stand for a time, drying it. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used this procedure to clean their kitchens. This purified water was used for drinking, cooking, washing clothes, and as an anti-caking agent.
Salt is no longer confined to cooking, however. It is now being used in various products, such as cosmetics, bags and jewelry, toys, pharmaceuticals, and roofing materials. Himalayan salt blocks are found in the most sought-after jewelry in the world. The blocks can be purchased in many stores, including eBay. They can also be custom ordered to match an individual's taste and style.
Although man has been eating salt ever since the dawn of civilization, only in recent years have researchers become interested in the many health benefits of this naturally occurring mineral. It has long been known for its many positive effects, including promoting wound healing, reducing swelling, and inhibiting certain types of cancers. Himalayan salt contains a variety of trace minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which promote optimal health.
Because of its popularity, and because of the many people that have learned about its positive effects, there has been a boom in the mining and production of Himalayan salt in Pakistan. Many people from the rural areas of Pakistan visit the Himalayan region in search of this pink color. The high quality of the mineral makes it very expensive, forcing most Pakistani businessmen to sell at the price it commands. The mineworkers and villagers are paying handsomely to work in the mines, although this does not account for the popularity of the mineral.
Mineral analysis tests have shown that Himalayan salt has one of the highest mineral contents of any salt. The average salt content is around two percent. In addition, it contains trace minerals that make it valuable in the culinary arts. Because of its popularity, many people have started cultivating its grains, harvesting its crystals, and using its salt in cooking and baking recipes. As a result, the salt's popularity has increased; consequently, production has also increased.
Himalayan salt comes in different qualities and sizes. For example, salt crystals may need to be broken down into smaller particles before they can be used in cooking. Cooks who rely on Himalayan cooking may need to experiment with cooking techniques to determine the right cooking method for the right sized crystal. Salt shakers are available for purchase in most stores. They help people determine the right quantities of salt needed for their cooking experiments.
Himalayan salt contains trace amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. These minerals enhance the taste of food and provide many positive benefits to the body. However, it is unlikely that Himalayan salt contains any other trace amounts of minerals. It is more likely that these trace amounts of minerals are present in common table salt. Some Himalayan salt has been found to contain a small amount of uranium, though this mineral is not found in all salts. Overall, Himalayan salt contains trace amounts of several important minerals, including uranium, which is not found in nature.