The first 100% natural table salt extracted from the Dead Sea has been launched to retailers and wholesalers in the UK (January 2008). Now available in selected London health food stores and online, Dead Sea Salts Ltd is also in discussions with a major supermarket.

Long known for its healing properties, Dead Sea salt has been used for centuries by historical figures like Cleopatra, who were wise to its healing and regenerative properties. It is enriched with a multitude of natural minerals, including 21 minerals and trace elements. The concentration of these natural minerals, such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium and bromine, is up to 10 times higher than in other oceans.

Dead Sea Salt is certified for use in organic cooking. It has a clean, fresh and distinctive taste, which provides a light aromatic seasoning. Its strength of flavour means that less needs to be added to food to achieve superior results, perfect for those who are keen to reduce their salt intake.

The unique table salt is produced in the West Bank and distributed by Dead Sea Salts Ltd through leading wholefood company Day Plus One - whose Organic Days and Natural Days dried food products can be seen in health food stores throughout the UK.

The Dead Sea lies deep in the Jordan Valley. This geographical position creates the unique climatic conditions that produce this high quality pure salt, free from additives or chemical agents. Temperatures of above 40 degrees Celsius, low humidity, minimum rainfall, clean unpolluted air and water and the world’s highest oxygen concentration, all contribute to the salt concentration measuring 33-34% compared to only 3-4% in the Mediterranean.

As a bacon curer and chef, Jasper Akroyd, of The Royal Oak restaurant, near Swindon, agrees with the Ancient Greeks: “Natural salts produce cured meat and fish of a much higher quality. I had feared that one of nature’s perfect gifts had been lost in favour of more processed salts,” he said. “Dead Sea salt is also effective when baking bread as it tends to react well with the yeast to encourage the bread to rise. Its creamy texture and mild flavour even goes well with strong dark chocolate or fruit salad!”

Natural minerals are well known for providing considerable health benefits. Magnesium helps maintain a healthy immune system, calcium builds strong bones and teeth, potassium helps muscle and nerve function and sodium regulates blood and body fluids, the transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity and certain metabolic functions. Many beauty products already take advantage of the high levels of these minerals that are present in the Dead Sea, but this is the first time that a table salt has been produced and is a welcome addition to a healthy diet.

To ensure the health benefits of the salt are preserved, Dead Sea Salts Ltd produces the salt naturally in the Dead Sea by pumping water into clay ponds, where it experiences a crystallization process. Excess water goes back into the Dead Sea. The salt crystals are then harvested from the ponds and left to dry, before being washed and dried for a final time. It is a natural process, free from industrial interference and has, therefore, been certified for use in organic cooking.

Recent figures from the Soil Association, the main organization promoting organic food and farming, show that the organic sector is continuing to grow, as quality, taste and the environment are pushed to the top of the consumers’ agenda. Sales have hit the £2bn mark for the first time, up 22% on 2005 figures, and one in six consumers have purchased packaged organic goods.

For more information, contact www.deadseasalt.org.uk