The history of pink salt, often called Himalayan pink salt, is a fascinating journey that dates back millions of years. Found primarily in the Punjab region of Pakistan, this salt is believed to have formed around 250 million years ago when ancient seas dried up, leaving behind massive mineral deposits.

These deposits were subsequently buried by the shifting of tectonic plates, creating thick layers of crystalline salt protected under the Himalayan mountains.

The salt mines of Khewra in Pakistan, which are now the primary source of Himalayan pink salt, have been known since at least the time of Alexander the Great. According to legend, around 326 BC, Alexander’s army discovered these salt deposits during their campaign through the region, when horses began licking the rocks. This marked the beginning of human recognition of the unique properties of the salt in this area.

For centuries, pink salt was an important commodity for local communities. The Mughal Empire further exploited these salt mines, making them an important economic asset. During the British colonial rule in the 19th century, the Khewra Salt Mine underwent significant expansion with the development of tunnels and modern mining techniques. The British established a system of mining that allowed large-scale extraction, and the salt was transported across the subcontinent.