Rock Salt A Source of Minerals

Don’t underestimate salt in your body to hold several responsive effects….

Rock salt, also known as Sendha Namak or halite, contains several essential minerals, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. The colour of rock salt varies from white to light blue, dark brown, purple to pink, red, orange, yellow, or grey, depending on the amount and type of impurities present in salt. Black salt, or Kala namak is a fragrant Himalayan rock salt cherished in Indian cuisine for its unique, sulphurous aroma. These minerals play a variety of roles in maintaining body functions, including fluid balance, nerve signalling, and muscle function.

While rock salt can help replenish some minerals, it is important to consume it in moderation because too much sodium can cause health problems such as high blood pressure. Furthermore, a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for good health, and rock salt should not be the only source of minerals. Saindhava lavana, or rock salt, is considered the best of all salts. According to Ayurveda, it is recommended to be used every day.

How rock salt formation in nature

1. Evaporation of Saltwater: Large bodies of saltwater, like seas and lakes, began to evaporate millions of years ago as a result of climate change. As the water evaporated, the number of dissolved salts increased.
2. Precipitation of Salt Crystals: When the water reached a certain concentration, salt (primarily sodium chloride, or NaCl) began to precipitate out of the water and form solid crystals.
3. Layering: As evaporation continued, more layers of salt crystals formed, eventually creating thick salt beds.
4. Sediment Cover: Over time, these salt beds became buried under layers of sediment, which compacted the salt layers and preserved them.
5. Geological Pressure: The pressure from overlying rocks compacted the salt further, sometimes forcing it into dome-like structures known as salt domes or diapirs, often found near oil and gas deposits.
6. Underground Salt Mines: This process created ancient salt beds that can still be mined today. Some notable rock salt mines are found in Poland (Wieliczka Salt Mine), Germany, Himalayan salt, and the Khewra Salt Mine in Khewra. However, Rock salt is formed when salty water evaporates, leaving behind salt deposits that are then buried, compacted, and sometimes deformed by geological forces.

What is the difference between Rock Salt and Sea Salt

Herbal salt known as Tapyo of the Apatani culture

Tapyo is a unique herbal salt from the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Traditionally, it is made by burning the leaves of a plant which the Apatanis grow in their fields. The ash from the leaves is mixed with water, and the mixture is filtered to extract the salt. This herbal salt is a crucial part of the Apatani diet, serving as both a flavor enhancer and a source of essential minerals. Tapyo is prized for its earthy, smoky taste and deep cultural significance in Apatani cuisine.

How much salt used on daily basis

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for salt and sodium content varies depending on age, health guidelines, and region, but here are the general salt and sodium content guidelines recommended by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). These guidelines are for the general adult population and may differ depending on specific health conditions, age groups, or regional dietary needs.

What are the Quality parameters of salt

The quality parameters of salt according to the Food Safety and Standards Regulation (FSSR) and IS 7224 salts as follows

IS 7224: 2006

• Sodium Chloride Content: Minimum 96% NaCl.
• Moisture: Should not exceed 6%.
• Iodine Content: 30 ppm at the manufacturing stage and 15 ppm (retail level).
• Water Insoluble Matter: Should not exceed 1%.
• Heavy Metals (Lead): Should be less than 2.5 ppm to avoid contamination.
• Heavy Metals (Arsenic): Should be less than 1 ppm to avoid contamination.

What Cultivator Phyto Lab can do for your salt quality control

Cultivator Phyto Lab Pvt. Ltd. is a state-of-the-art laboratory specializing in quality control testing for various salts and related products. Equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation, we conduct precise analyses for heavy metals and chemical contaminants, ensuring product safety and compliance with industry standards. Our rigorous testing supports the highest levels of quality and safety for consumer assurance.