Episode 19: Salt Overview
Who Says Being Salty is a Bad Thing?
Part 2 of Our Mini-Series: “You Are What You Eat”
Salt is one of the most important and influential minerals in human history. From flavoring food, to being used as a form of payment, to its impact on science, the effects cannot be overstated. There are many kinds of salts, and they all have different chemical signatures. Throughout this episode, learn about table salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) and other edible sea salts from ancient times as well as salts we find in agriculture and other scientific areas. This episode is an overview of the history, science, and uses of salts, with more in-depth analysis coming in August!
Discussion Includes:
History of Salt from Ancient China to Today
Salt in Ancient Trade & Politics
Mummification & Salt in Egypt
The Chemistry & Basic Science of Salts
Salt in Religions
General Uses of Salts
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References:
Kurlansky, Mark. (2003). Salt: A World History. Chapters: Introduction, 2, 12, 13,18, 19. Penguin Random House. ISBN: 9780142001615
Admin. (2024, November 7). Salt and sodium - the nutrition source. The Nutrition Source. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/salt-and-sodium/
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, July 14). Salt | Definition & Properties. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/salt-acid-base-reactions
Clifton, J. (2025, May 28). Types & Uses of Salts in Chemistry | The Science Blog. ReAgent Chemical Services. https://www.reagent.co.uk/blog/types-of-salts-in-chemistry-and-their-uses/
The History of Salt | Salt Association. (2022, October 3). The Salt Association. https://saltassociation.co.uk/education/salt-history/
Arndt, G. (2024, January 1). The history of Salt. Everything Everywhere. https://everything-everywhere.com/the-history-of-salt/
Garcia, A. (2024, November 12). The History of Salt: from ancient times to modern kitchens. Sea Salt Superstore. https://www.seasaltsuperstore.com/blogs/what-is-salt/the-history-of-salt-from-ancient-times-to-modern-kitchens
The global perspective of salt over time. (2011, December 5). Economicsofsalt. https://economicsofsalt.wordpress.com/about/
Salt 101: From ancient chemistry to modern marvel - BCI Minerals. (2024, March 6).https://www.bciminerals.com.au/newsroom/990-salt-101-from-ancient-chemistry-to-modern-marvel.html
