Why Korean Bamboo Salt Is So Expensive?

Imagine spending around 100 dollars for just 250 grams of salt. It might seem a lavish expense to most of us, but this is how the world’s most expensive salt is priced. Things don’t stop here, the growing demand for this salt will also surprise you!

Bamboo salt also known as “Purple Salt” or “Jugyeom“, is a high-quality mineral-rich salt. It is becoming popular around the world for its premium quality, taste, and vast range of health benefits. There are amazing facts about it, that are enough to convince you to replace your traditional salts with bamboo salt.

History of Bamboo Salt

It was originally prepared by a Korean Buddhist monk “Jeong Kwan” during the Goryeo dynasty almost 1000 years ago. Initially, it was used during wartime to enhance the healing power of the human body, but later it became a traditional medicine for the Korean people. Due to its origin in Korean culture, it is also called “Korean Bamboo Salt”

In the 20th century, a famous Korean herbalist named “Kim Il-hoon” discovered that roasting sea salt nine times with bamboo, naturally yellow clay, and pinewood at high temperatures could remove more toxins from it. Moreover, this process will also increase the mineral potency and therapeutic benefits of bamboo salt.

Korean Bamboo Salt Making Process

Unlike any other salt, the process of making bamboo salt is labor-intensive. But considering its health and other benefits this process seems worth it. To get the best quality, traditional methods are used, which may take up to 25 days to complete the process.

The process starts with the natural sea salt, harvested from the Western coast of Korea and dried in the sunlight for a few days. Then it is sealed into 3-year-old bamboo trunks with natural yellow clay. The reason behind using yellow clay as a sealant is that it is rich in minerals.

Then these densely packed and sealed bamboo trunks are placed in a specially designed kiln. The kiln is fired with pinewood to high temperature, typically 800 to 1500 degrees Celsius, (1472 to 2732 degrees Fahrenheit). As the bamboo heats up, oil seeps from the wood and is absorbed into the sea salt, infusing minerals and flavor into it. This process usually takes 12-14 hours to complete.

The process doesn’t end here, once the first roasting cycle completes, the bamboo is incinerated and a white salt pillar remains. After removing the burned clay, these salt pillars are then ground and resealed into the new bamboo stalks, ready to be roasted again. This roasting process is repeated from 1 to 9 times. Each roasting process adds more alkalinity, mineral content, therapeutic properties, and sulfur flavor to the salt.

Types of Bamboo Salt

The two most popular types are 9X roasted and 3X roasted bamboo salt. The primary difference between these two salts is the number of times and the temperature at which they are roasted. But this primary difference results in coloration, alkalinity, minerals content, and medicinal use of these salts.

9-Times Roasted:

9X roasted bamboo salt also known as the “Purple Bamboo Salt” and “Amethyst Salt”, is the highest quality bamboo salt available out there in the market. To make this salt the roasting process is repeated 9 times, however, the 9th roasting process is carried out at a temperature of 1700 degrees Celsius. At this temperature bamboo and salt melt into liquid form. Then it is left to cool and solidify into crystals. It is then ground into fine powder or small crystals. This is highly alkaline with a Ph value of around 10.5 and savory sulfur flavor.

3-Times Roasted:

3X roasted bamboo salt is also known as “Grey Salt”, it undergoes three roasting cycles. This salt is toxin-free, infused with minerals, and has a mild sulfur flavor. It is ideal for everyday cooking and seasoning.

Why Bamboo Salt is Better Than Other Salts?

According to many studies, bamboo salt is considered the highest quality salt and the healthiest salt available out there in the market. Its healing properties, being toxin-free, rich in minerals, and highly alkaline nature sets it apart from other salts.

Toxins Free:

Although Himalayan pink salt is comparatively good for consumption. However, due to water pollution, sea salt contains contaminants of microplastics and heavy metals like cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic. Consumption of these heavy metals could have negative impacts on human health.

The production process of bamboo salt removes these toxins, heavy metals, microplastics, and other harmful compounds. It is the purest form of salt healthy for human consumption.

Rich in Minerals: 

Bamboo salt contains over 70 different minerals such as Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium, Silicon, Iron, Germanium, Molybdenum, Selenium, Platinum, Sulfur, Strontium, Boron, Lithium, and many more. These minerals are very important for the biological activities taking place inside our body.

Highly Alkaline:

Foods with a Ph value greater than 7 are considered alkaline. Bamboo salt has a Ph value of 10.5 making it highly alkaline. Consumption of this salt neutralizes acidic food and prevents food poisoning.

Korean Bamboo Salt Health Benefits

Normally, the consumption of salt is not considered healthy, but in the case of bamboo salt, there’s an exception. It is highly beneficial for the human body because it is free from all types of contaminants and full of minerals. As initially bamboo salt was used as a medicine that’s why there are a lot of known health benefits of bamboo salt.

Bamboo salt is taken internally as a natural medicine for the treatment of allergies. It can prevent histamine in the body and therefore it prevents or stops allergic reactions in our body. It can be gargled in water to reduce inflammation in the sore throat.

Many patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, use it to reduce the side effects caused by this powerful treatment. Moreover, it contains methanol extracts which have anti-cancer properties.

Bamboo salt is commonly added to toothpaste products as it can harden the enamel coating on the teeth and prevent mineral loss. Additionally, it also lessens the chances of gingivitis and prevents plaque forming on the teeth.

For people who suffer from diabetes, it has been shown to increase the muscles’ tolerance for glucose or sugar. It also improves insulin sensitivity. Moreover, its ability to suppress yeast infection in both men and women prevents the growth of candida in the body.

Gastric ulcers can be reduced and allowed to heal when taking this salt. Its anti-inflammatory effects work to reduce problems in the digestive system.

It is also commonly used in combination with acupuncture to help those suffering from arthritis and joint pain. The higher concentration of magnesium in this salt alleviates pain quickly compared to other salts.

Bamboo Salt Uses

You might be thinking that what could be the practical uses of bamboo salt in your daily life. It could be used directly or indirectly for cooking, electrolyte drinks, and personal care.

You can use bamboo salt as a healthy replacement for regular table salt. It will add more minerals to your food along with reducing the acidity of food. You can also consume it by dissolving 1/3 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water to replenish electrolytes after a workout.

Bamboo Salt Side Effects

Bamboo slat is a healthier option than regular table salt but, temporary symptoms like swelling on the body may occur as a result of a “healing crisis”. If these symptoms last for 2-3 days then no need to worry about it because it shows that your body is detoxifying and becoming healthier.

When you start consuming it, your stomach may begin to release sputum, which might result in temporary headaches, nausea, or vomiting. Normally, such issues resolve themselves within three days resulting in a healthy stomach.

If any of the side effects of consuming bamboo salt last for more than 2-3 days, consult your healthcare doctor. Moreover, It is better to use it according to the recommendation of your healthcare professional during pregnancy.

Bamboo Salt Price

Bamboo salt is very expensive relative to regular table salts. Korean Bamboo Salt or Purple Salt costs you around $100 for just an 8 oz jar, (almost 225 grams). The major reason behind its high price is the time and labor-intensive process it takes to produce. All the process is carried out by hand and it might take up to one month for the production of one batch. Despite its premium cost, the health benefits it offers, are making it popular around the world.

Buy Bamboo Salt

Considering the interesting facts about bamboo salt you might love to experience its incredible benefits for yourself. I would recommend you to go for authentic 9X roasted purple bamboo salt and 3X roasted grey bamboo salt. You can buy bamboo salt online from Amazon, Walmart, or any other trusted retailer.