How is Table Salt Produced?

Most of us have salt in our kitchens, but have you ever wondered how that little salt shaker gets to your table? Table salt is important for our diets, helps preserve food, and is even used in some industries in the manufacturing process. In this article, we’ll explain how table salt is produced step by step, from its natural sources to the finished product you use daily.

What Is Table Salt?

Table salt is a crystalline product from seawater evaporation or underground salt mines. It is also known as Sodium Chloride (NaCl). Sodium and chlorine atoms are common in all kinds of salts on the market. The processing methods and additives added during manufacturing make table salt different from other salts like kosher salt and sea salt.

History of Salt Production

Salt production started centuries ago. It is a valuable commodity and was used as currency during ancient times. It is believed that salt was used to pay salaries for the workers who worked in salt pans or salt mines. We have successfully produced salt from the evaporation of seawater in salt pans and have identified salt mines for thousands of years. Due to technological advancement, we have developed more methods, but the core principle of extracting salt from nature remains the same.

Different Types of Salt

Before discussing the methods of salt production, we will examine the different kinds of salts available today!

• Table Salt: Highly refined and most commonly used kind of salt with added iodine in it.
• Sea Salt: It is minimally processed and produced from the evaporation of seawater in salt pans.
• Kosher Salt: This salt usually comes in large crystals and is mostly used as a finishing salt because of its texture.
• Himalayan Salt: This salt, mined from underground salt deposits, has a pink hue because of its iron content.

Every salt is produced using similar traditional methods, but what makes them different is their mineral content and production methods.

Natural Sources of Salt

Below, we have mentioned the two primary places where the salt is naturally found.

• Seawater: Seawater is a renewable source and is widely used to produce table salt worldwide. It contains around 2.6% salt.
• Underground Salt Deposits: Underground salt deposits, also called Halite, are formed by the evaporation of ancient seas and are mined in various processes to produce salt. This is how Himalayan salt is produced.

Methods of Salt Production

These days, table salt is Produced in three main ways

1. Evaporation from Seawater
2. Mining Rock Salt (Halite)
3. Solar Salt Production
4. Vacuum Evaporation

Each method has its own advantages and produces salt in different forms and purities.

1. Evaporation from Seawater

It is one of the ancient and effective methods of producing salt. Sea water is channeled into shallow ponds, which are called salt pans. This collected water is left in the sun to evaporate and finally form crystals. Later, the crystals are collected and refined to remove impurities. Depending on the final goal, additives, and anti-caking agents are added. The evaporation method is widely followed in coastal areas and areas with high evaporation rates where solar energy can be used abundantly.

2. Mining Rock Salt

Salt mining is generally followed in areas where seawater access is limited. Commercial companies mine for Halite from underground salt deposits. Halite is the natural form of sodium chloride obtained from the evaporation of ancient water bodies. These deposits are found deeper in the ground, and depending on the situation, the mining process can vary.

Solution mining is another mining process that is now practiced. Water is pumped into salt deposits to form brine, which is extracted to the surface. Later, it is evaporated into salt.

3. Solar Salt Production

Solar salt production is a process similar to evaporation. But the catch is that it utilizes solar energy as a fuel to power the process. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to mechanical evaporation methods, and it is practiced in tropical regions.

4. Vacuum Evaporation Method

Vacuum evaporation is a method often used to make very pure table salt. In this process, saltwater is heated through a vacuum. It lowers the boiling point, so the water evaporates faster and more efficiently. This creates pure salt without any impurities or unwanted materials. This method is mainly used to make salt for human consumption and chemical industries, where high purity is a priority.

Refining and Purification

After the table salt is produced, it may be from any of the processes mentioned above, but it needs to go through a refining process. The impurities and contaminants left behind during the initial extraction are removed in the refining process. In some production methods, the crystals are ground to uniform crystals, and additives are added to remove the minerals.

During table salt production, iodine is added as an essential nutrient. Anticaking agents are also added to prevent the salt from clumping and make it free-flowing.

Additives in Table Salt

In many countries, iodine is added to table salt to manage the population’s iodine deficiencies. Anti-caking agents are also added to avoid clumping in moist conditions. These additives are generally safe and don’t create any side effects when consumed in daily life.

Environmental Impact of Salt Production

Similar to other industrial processes, salt production also affects the environment. It is more common in places where mining practices are followed. Mining salt can damage the soil, while solar salt farms can also damage the local ecosystems if they are not maintained properly. Many advancements and practices are used to reduce the harmful effects on the environment.

Global Salt Production

China, the United States, India, and Germany are the top salt-producing countries. Together, they contribute to most of the world’s salt production, which is used in food and industries such as chemical production, water treatment, and road deicing.

Conclusion

Table salt can seem like a simple ingredient, but its production is an amazing process that has been around for thousands of years. Whether taken from seawater, underground, or purified using modern methods, the salt you use daily goes through a long process before it reaches your table. If you are an individual or a business looking for high-quality food-grade salt, reach out to us! At Canada Salt Group Ltd, we offer reliable salt and salt products for all your needs. Contact us for more details.