How do we harvest pink salt in Australia?

Let’s clear the salt shaker on this one: how exactly is pink salt harvested in Australia? While we can’t spill the beans on every salt out there, we can tell you exactly how Murray River Salt is harvested, and how we prevent tonnes of salt from entering the Murray River.

Our process combines natural resources with sustainable practices, so let’s find out…

The Harvesting Process

1. Extraction of Brine: It all begins when pristine saline water, trapped underground for thousands of years, is pumped up from ancient aquifers. This brine has remained unexposed to external elements, ensuring its purity.
2. Canal Transportation: The extracted brine travels through a series of canals, directing it towards crystallising ponds.
3. Solar Evaporation: During the warm summer months in Sunraysia, the brine undergoes natural solar evaporation in the crystallising lakes. The sun works its magic, concentrating the brine and leaving behind salt crystals.
4. Crystallisation: As the water evaporates, salt crystals start to form and settle.
5. Harvesting: The crystallised salt is carefully harvested from the ponds. At the Mourquong site, the salt is processed into various products. 
6. Pink Salt Production: To produce the pink salt, the harvested salt is added to a temperature controlled pool filled with the aquifer brine for 24 hours. The result? Pyramid-shaped flakes float to the surface, ready to be dried, quality-checked, and sent off to your pantry.
   

Source of the Pink Hue

The distinctive pale pink colour of Murray River Salt flakes originates from the mineral-rich brines sourced from ancient saline aquifers in the Murray Darling Basin. These ancient minerals not only give Murray River Salt its delicate pink colour but also its unique, subtle flavour.

Environmental Benefits

The best bit? Murray River Salt’s harvesting operations play a crucial role in environmental conservation. By extracting saline groundwater, the company helps mitigate salinity levels in the Murray Darling Basin, preventing approximately 200 tonnes of saline water from entering the Murray River daily. This initiative supports the health of local ecosystems and promotes sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Conclusion

The story of Murray River Salt is as rich as its flavour. From ancient underground aquifers to sun-soaked crystallisation ponds, every step is a perfect blend of nature, science, and sustainability. Whether you’re sprinkling it on avocado toast or using it to elevate your favourite dish, you can feel good knowing your salt flakes are as kind to the planet as they are delicious.

So next time you reach for Murray River Salt, know you’re adding a little magic, and a lot of care to your meal.