In Salt: A World History author Mark Kurlansky described how salt demand spawned extensive trade routes, alliances, and even empires. The limited supply led to increased demand. The English word “salary” comes from the Latin phrase salarium argentum, or “salt money,” which was paid to Roman soldiers.īefore the evolution of modern geology and extraction techniques, salt was difficult to find and to remove. But you can mitigate by throwing the spilled salt over your left shoulder into the eyes of the Devil that lurks there. For instance, spilling salt is a bad omen. Further, preservation allowed people to travel over long distances with a portable food supply.īecause of its central importance to health and human welfare, salt acquired some interesting forms of cultural significance as well. For if people could preserve their food, they no longer had to depend upon the seasonal availability of food. This discovery quickly transformed the human lifestyle. Thousands of years ago, salt was discovered to have another vital function– as a food preservative. The human body needs a small but regular supply of sodium to maintain a balance of body fluids, keep muscles and nerves running smoothly and help certain organs work properly. And not just because it makes food taste better. Throughout history, salt has held enormous significance for human society. Hi, I’m Holly Strand from the Quinney College of Natural Resources at Utah State University. Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 4:02 | Recorded on NovemBonneville Salt FlatsĬC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
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