Definition of sea salt

The term "sea salt" describes salt that is obtained naturally from seawater or saltwater lakes. This type of salt has been used by humans since ancient times due to its availability near coastal areas. The process of producing sea salt involves allowing the seawater to evaporate in shallow ponds or salt flats, which results in the formation of salt crystals. This technique, known as solar evaporation, has been used for thousands of years and requires no chemical additives or processing. The term "sea salt" originally emerged as a way to distinguish this type of salt from the refined table salt that became popular in the 19th century. The term reflects the fact that sea salt is a more "natural" and unprocessed form of salt, unlike table salt, which is typically sourced from underground rock formations and undergoes a series of refining processes to remove impurities. In recent years, sea salt has gained popularity due to its perceived health benefits, as it is often marketed as a more "natural" and "wholesome" alternative to table salt. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the notion that sea salt is any healthier than table salt, and the nutritional content of the two is largely the same. Ultimately, the choice between sea salt and table salt is a matter of personal preference, as both are safe and commonly used forms of sodium chloride.