The availability of salt is something that we have come to take for granted.
Once a precious commodity coveted for its' ability to preserve, heal (it was often used in medicinal ways) and flavor, salt was more valuable than even money. In fact, Roman soldiers were given a salt allowance as part of their pay! Known as a salarium, this method of payment is the root of the word salary that we still use today.
Not surprisingly, all kinds of superstitions circulated around this precious commodity.
People would wear a vial of salt around their neck to keep evil spirits away. Vampires were believed to be repelled by salt. Even Irish folklore noted that a bag of salt tied to a child's night dress kept them from being stolen by fairies in their sleep.
The best known (and still current) superstition about salt is found in many cultures throughout the world.
Toss a pinch of (spilled) salt over your left shoulder to keep bad luck away. It was thought that spirits who bring bad luck and misfortune would stand behind a person to the left, and a smack of salt in their eyes would make them scatter.
Whether you're superstitious or not, salt still plays a vital role in our health and well-being.
There are as many benefits from salt today as there are varieties. Unless, of course, you are on a salt restricted program for health purposes (in which case, definitely check out our various salt-free seasonings).
Bad food is beyond creepy. Save it with flavor!
Many chefs and critics alike believe that the very best salts for flavoring foods are those that are as natural and minimally processed as possible. Good quality sea salts can provide the flavor you need, often without needing much else.
Stacey Hawkins Seasonings use only pure, natural, untreated sea salt. We want you to have all the flavor, and nothing else. Our Sassy Sea Salt is a traditional chunk salt, perfect for cooking and our Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt is the same salt, roasted to perfection over an alderwood fire, providing an incredible smoky, rich flavor for your foods (think bacon in a can!)
Whichever you decide, throw a pinch over your shoulder today and keep the bad cooking spirits at bay!
Happy cooking-
Stacey
PS- Here's the Jam! Check it out and sing along... You know you want to :)