Why bamboo salt is the 'white gold' of the culinary world

The process of making bamboo salt is deeply connected with Buddhist traditions, which give it a unique taste and numerous nutritional properties. Although the name may suggest a strong connection with bamboo, this salt does not come from the plant.

As Well explains, bamboo salt is actually sea salt, which gains its unique characteristics through a special roasting process inside bamboo stalks.

The production of this Korean salt is a complex and time-consuming process. It all starts with filling bamboo sticks with sea salt, then roasted nine times in pine wood ovens, reaching temperatures up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit.

Each production stage requires incredible precision because the smallest mistake can ruin the entire effort. This multi-step process is what makes bamboo salt so valuable and unique.

Bamboo salt is much more than just an ordinary seasoning. It is a rich source of valuable alkaline minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamins including A, E, and B6. The content of amino acids gives it strong bactericidal and antioxidant properties that help combat free radicals.

Additionally, bamboo salt supports collagen synthesis, which positively affects skin condition, improving its elasticity and appearance.

Although it is most often used in cooking as a valuable seasoning, its usage goes much further. In the traditions of Southeast Asian countries, bamboo salt is also recognized as a substance with medicinal properties. For example, it is often used in cosmetics as a natural facial scrub that gently exfoliates and refreshes the skin.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, it is also used in oral hygiene products. These products support tooth whitening and stimulate circulation in the gums, improving their health.

According to Well, bamboo salt is very expensive due to its complicated production process and numerous benefits—a pound of this luxury product can cost up to $220.