Salt: A Culinary Staple with a Rich History in India

SRAVAN BANDA is a Ph.D. scholar in Biophilia and Wetlands, and Commodore KAMLESH KUMAR is CMD of Hindustan Salts Ltd. Here, they share the history of one of the most important condiments we use in our food-salt!

- SRAVAN BANDA

Salt is an essential ingredient that has played a significant role in human history and culture for thousands of years. It is an integral part of most cuisines, preserving and enhancing the flavors of various dishes. Salt has a rich history that traces back to ancient times. Historically, it was not just a culinary ingredient but also had great economic and political importance. It was used as a form of currency, and salt production and trade became lucrative businesses. In India, salt holds a special place, both in the culinary traditions and in the socio-economic fabric of the country. Here are the origins and usefulness of two varieties of Indian salt—Sambhar Lake Salt and Sambhar Lake Black Salt.

Origin of Sambhar Salt

Sambhar Salt comes from the Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan. It is renowned for its distinctive flavor and its alkaline nature, which sets it apart from other types of salt. It holds a special place in the country’s salt industry. Sambhar Lake is one of the largest saltwater lakes in India, and is renowned for its high salt concentration. The lake’s salt production dates back centuries, with records of its use during the reign of the Mauryan Empire.