The Nin Saltworks is one of three in Europe that has been certified organic
There is no life without salt. This is confirmed by the fact that salt is the most important mineral, without which our bodies could not function normally. But salt is also an indispensable ingredient in every type of cuisine and has long been used to preserve food. The fact that it has been traded around the world and used as a means of payment throughout history speaks volumes about its importance. In China, for example, it was a means of payment in many branches of trade. Roman soldiers received part of their salaries in salt, while the Egyptians used it for mummification and as a medicine against infection. Today, there are several types of salt. Apart from sea and rock salt, the most famous, along with black and blue varieties, is Himalayan salt, which is the purest salt in the world and contains more than 80 minerals. People should definitely avoid refined salt, which contains various additives and aluminum, which is harmful to our bodies. Instead, choose the natural salt that our country is rich in. Croatia has three saltworks; on the island of Pag, in Ston and Nin. The latter, a saltworks in the town of Nin not far from Zadar, can boast of being one of three certified in Europe to produce organic bio-crystalline sea salt. Salt has been harvested in Nin since Roman times. But after production began more seriously in 1953, it is known today as one of the best in the entire region. When we talk about salt, we should definitely single out the gem among the salts, which is fleur de sel (“flower of salt”). These are tiny salt crystals that are collected by hand from the surface of the brine using a micron sieve at specific times of day and year. Fleur de sel is used to season food which has already been served on the plate because of its delicate, refined taste. Also, the high price of the fleur de sel itself means it is best used sparingly. Salt comes in a variety of flavours; blended with wild and cultivated herbs and fruits like citrus, and even smoked. As such, no matter what form it comes in, salt enriches every dish.
