You Won’t Believe Why This Salt Costs Rs 35,000 Per Kg!

Salt is a universal staple found in kitchens worldwide, yet one particular variety demands an extraordinary price—Rs 35,000 per kilogram. Known as Korean bamboo salt, this rare salt stands apart not just for its cost but for its unique production process, health benefits, and geographic exclusivity. Let’s explore what makes this salt the most expensive, where it’s found, and why it’s coveted by gourmets and health enthusiasts alike.

 

Key Highlights About The Most Expensive Salt

 

Korean bamboo salt, also called Jugyeom, is produced through a labor-intensive process lasting nearly 50 days.

 

It costs around Rs 35,000 per kilogram in India, equating to roughly $450 per kg globally, making it a luxury item.

 

The salt’s exceptional price stems from its handcrafted preparation, medicinal properties, and limited production.

 

It is exclusively made in South Korea by roasting sea salt inside bamboo tubes sealed with yellow clay and fired at extremely high temperatures—up to 1,500 degrees Celsius.

 

This roasting and cooling cycle is repeated nine times, infusing the salt with minerals from bamboo and clay, enhancing its purity and nutritional profile.

 

The final product is free from impurities common to regular sea salt and contains beneficial minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

 

The Unique Production Process Behind Its High Cost

Unlike typical sea or rock salts, Korean bamboo salt undergoes a specialized thermochemical transformation. Initially, harvested sea salt is packed into bamboo cylinders. These are then sealed with natural yellow clay and roasted in traditional furnaces over pinewood fires. The roasting cycles, from 800 to 1,500 degrees Celsius, melt the salt, purifying it while allowing bamboo minerals to leach into the salt crystals.

 

Each batch’s preparation involves intricate manual labor by skilled artisans who oversee the multiple firing stages while maintaining quality control. The rarity of bamboo salt lies in this repeated roasting ritual combined with the unique natural resources of specific Korean regions, making mass production impossible and driving up cost.

 

Health Benefits And Culinary Use

Historically, bamboo salt has been used in Korean traditional medicine and cuisine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification qualities. Clinical studies suggest it can improve digestion, boost immunity, and enhance nutrient absorption compared to regular salt.

 

Culinarily, it is prized as a gourmet finishing salt due to its distinct flavor complexity and mineral richness, ideal for seasoning premium dishes or as an exclusive table salt. Its natural purity makes it a sought-after alternative for health-conscious consumers.

 

Where Is This Salt Found?

The production of Korean bamboo salt is limited exclusively to Korea, primarily within regions possessing the right bamboo resources, pristine clay, and traditional kilns. This geographic exclusivity contrasts with other salts like Himalayan pink salt or French fleur de sel, which have more widespread availability.

 

Why This Salt Costs More Than Gold By Weight

Salt has traditionally been called the “white gold” due to its historical value, but Korean bamboo salt’s price far exceeds gold per weight in many instances. The protracted laborious process, scarcity, cultural heritage, and proven health benefits collectively contribute to its premium pricing.

 

Conclusion

Korean bamboo salt’s Rs 35,000 per kilogram price tag tells a story of centuries-old tradition, meticulous craftsmanship, and unique geographical factors that transform ordinary sea salt into a precious health elixir and culinary treasure. While it remains inaccessible to most, it exemplifies how natural resources combined with artisanal expertise can create extraordinary value even for the most commonplace ingredients.

 

Sources: Times of India, News18, PIOR Living, YouTube, Hindi News18