In the world of nutrition and gastronomy, choosing the right salt can make an enormous difference. Although at first glance, all salts may seem the same, spring salt and sea salt differ in terms of their origin, composition and, as a result, their health benefits and the flavour of our foods. Below, we explore these differences with a scientific and educational focus.
Spring salt is extracted from underground deposits, where the mineral water filters through the rocks over thousands of years. This natural process gives spring salt a unique composition, full of trace minerals and trace elements. On the other hand, sea salt is obtained from the evaporation of seawater, which exposes it to environmental conditions and, in some cases, to pollutants present in the water, such as microplastics or industrial waste.
A standout feature of spring salt is its rich mineral profile. In addition to sodium chloride, this salt can contain up to 84 minerals and trace elements in minimal but significant quantities, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and traces of iron and zinc. These components can contribute towards maintaining a balanced diet, boosting the body’s vital functions. Although sea salt also contains minerals, the evaporation process and possible refining can reduce the presence of these essential nutrients.
From a sensory perspective, spring salt usually has a more delicate and complex texture and flavour, which enables it to enhance the natural flavours of foods without masking them. Plus, since it is less processed, it retains a “purer” state, which many consumers believe to be beneficial to health. In some cases, sea salt can contain impurities or be subjected to processes that remove part of its mineral content, potentially reducing its nutritional benefits.
In summary, spring salt offers notable advantages over sea salt, mainly in terms of mineral composition, purity and flavour. It has an enriched nutritional profile thanks to its natural origin and formation process which can provide additional benefits to a healthy diet. However, it is important to remember that, regardless of the type of salt, its consumption should be moderated within a balanced diet.
This differentiation not only highlights the richness of spring salt as a gourmet ingredient, but also invites us to reflect on the importance of knowing where the foods we consume come from and how they are processed.
Spring Salt
