Discover the truth about Himalayan pink salt, a fascinating natural resource with origins in
Pakistan’s Pothohar Plateau. Explore its historical significance, unique properties, and the
quest for its rightful recognition through Geographical Indication.

Himalayan pink salt has gained worldwide popularity in recent years, renowned for its
distinct flavor and unique pink hue. However, there is a fascinating revelation about this
sought-after culinary ingredient—it is not actually from the Himalayas.
In this article, we delve into the captivating story behind Himalayan pink salt, uncovering its
true origins in Pakistan’s Pothohar Plateau.
Join Nutrite on a journey that spans centuries, as we explore the geographical, historical,
and cultural significance of this extraordinary natural resource.

The Pink Salt Range of Pakistan……………………
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Alexander the Great’s Serendipitous Encounter…………………
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Utilizing Pink Salt Beyond the Culinary Realm…………………………
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The Salt Range’s Production Powerhouse…………………
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Geographical Indication…………………
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Final Thoughts……………………
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The Pink Salt Range of Pakistan
The Pothohar Plateau, situated approximately 300 kilometers away from the Himalayas, is
home to the largest pink salt range in the world. This region, encompassing areas such as
Khewra, Quaidabad, and Kalabagh, boasts abundant deposits of organic, natural pink rock
salt. Discover the geological wonders that occurred over 600 million years ago when the sea
beds dried up, leaving behind crystallized salt that would become the treasured Himalayan
pink salt.

Alexander the Great’s Serendipitous Encounter
Legend has it that around 326 BC, Alexander the Great stumbled upon the extraordinary
properties of pink salt. It is said that his horse, after a long journey, began licking the pink

salt rocks, piquing the curiosity of the great conqueror. This fortuitous discovery marked the
beginning of pink salt’s journey through history.

Utilizing Pink Salt Beyond the Culinary Realm
While Himalayan pink salt has become synonymous with gourmet cooking, its applications
extend far beyond the kitchen. Dive into the world of pink salt-infused bath products,
luxurious spa treatments, and exquisite decorative items like lamps and sculptures. Explore
the unique attributes that make pink salt an invaluable ingredient in enhancing well-being
and creating captivating aesthetics.
The Salt Range’s Production Powerhouse
Reports indicate that an impressive 400,000 tonnes of salt are mined from the Salt Range
annually. Despite Pakistan’s significant production capacity, it has faced challenges in
maximizing the exclusive value of its salt. One such challenge involves the export dynamics
with India, where the salt is sold at a lower price before being further distributed to other
parts of the world at a significantly higher cost. This issue sparked a ban on salt exports from
Pakistan to India, alleging unauthorized sales without proper labeling.

Geographical Indication
Safeguarding Pakistan’s Pink Salt Heritage: In an effort to preserve the authenticity and curb
unauthorized use by other countries, Pakistan is seeking Geographical Indication (GI)
protection for its salt. Obtaining a GI tag would establish Himalayan pink salt as an
indigenous product of Pakistan, recognizing its specific geographic origin and ensuring its
rightful recognition in the global marketplace.

Final Thoughts
The mesmerizing tale of Himalayan pink salt takes us on a journey that transcends borders
and reveals the intricate interplay of nature, history, and trade. While the pink salt may not
hail from the Himalayas, its roots in Pakistan’s Pothohar Plateau are deep and profound.
As efforts continue to secure its rightful place through a Geographical Indication tag, let us
appreciate the remarkable legacy of this organic, natural pink rock salt and its multifaceted
contributions to our culinary, wellness, and artistic pursuits.