Each week, we’ll deliver an answer to the question “Why It Matters?” While everyday items are sometimes left unseen, this series will intrigue, educate, and explore the little things that drive and change our world.
Often overlooked as a simple white seasoning in an unassuming shaker, salt matters.
Salt’s importance for the development of flavor is second only to its importance of the development of civilization. The earliest references to salt are recorded as far back as 2,250 B.C., more than 4,000 years ago!
Quickly developing into a major trade item, this commodity was regarded as highly valuable and facilitated trade everywhere from Egypt, China, and Rome. In Tibet, world explorer Marco Polo reported that salt was once pressed into coins, which then would have the Grand Kahn’s face imprinted upon them. Roman soldiers were given salt rations known as “salarium argentum,” which became the root for the English word and concept ‘salary.’ Because of its value, early nomads and travelers from all over the world carried bags of salt with which to trade, making salt one of the world’s first global currencies!
Stay tuned next week for “Why It Matters: Salt & Science!” where we’ll discuss the chemical and nutritional properties of salt!
Can you name some natural sources of salt?
~Text by Grant Durando; Photo from The Tao of Dana
Returning to our kitchen?