Salt panning
For centuries, the salt pans in the northern Adriatic Sea area long had a significant impact on the economy of the countries and city-states in this area. They were the subject of political disputes and wars as salt was considered a precious raw material and strategic merchandise due to its usefulness, and was important for the preservation of food and the production of gunpowder. In the past, there were a number of smaller and larger salt pans in the Gulf of Trieste and Istria (e.g. in Milje, Koper, Izola, Lucija), however, today only the Sečovlje and Strunjan salt pans remain. They were not only characterized by political and economic interests, but also by the whims of nature which sometimes made salt production impossible for longer periods, however, sometimes it offered an over-abundance.
In the abundance of different kinds of high-quality salts, Piran salt is one of the most prominent as it is cultivated according to the method of more than 700 years ago. The Sečovlje salt pans are the northernmost still functioning salt pans in the Mediterranean area and one of the few salt pans in the world where salt is produced after several centuries-old processes originating from at least the 14th century. Their speciality is that the salt pan workers cultivate petola at the bottom of the crystallization ponds. This is a biosediment which prevents the sea mud merging with the salt and gives the salt numerous microelements and minerals necessary for the human organism. It is cultivated completely through natural crystallization using their bare hands, and the tools and procedures of their ancestors.
Salt panning distinctively shaped the cultural landscape, i.e. areas that are the work of human hands.
Soon we will say again: we are GOING INTO SALT!
6. 6. 2024
In the spirit of this celebration, we have decided to offer you a 20% discount on Rosemary Salt with Herbs as our June product of the month, a perfect fusion of delicious, hand-crafted sea salt and this versatile aromatic herb. The promotion is valid until stock lasts.
Summer is fast approaching and with it, our favourite and most intense time of the year: the time of salt crystallisation. When we say "GOING INTO SALT" in the salt pans, we refer to a very special form of celebration where tradition, nature, and ancient knowledge passed down from generation to generation join hands.
In the spirit of this celebration, we have decided to offer you a 20% discount on Rosemary Salt with Herbs as our June product of the month, a perfect fusion of delicious, hand-crafted sea salt and this versatile aromatic herb.
We want to take this opportunity to write a few words about the unique salt production in Slovenian Istria and the differences between the salts produced here.
THE LANDSCAPE GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT LONG AGO, TIME STOPPED HERE
Immediately upon entering the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, a special sense of timelessness takes over. A fascinating landscape stretches out before us, where many species of flora and fauna have found refuge.
The area is known in nature conservation circles, especially for its birds and has been listed as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention since 1993, and since 2004 it has been included in the European network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) as part of the Natura 2000 network.
Nevertheless, the salt pans are first and foremost a cultural landscape, shaped over the centuries by both nature and the human hand. At the SOLINE Pridelava soli d.o.o. company, we are well aware of this and are committed to continuing the ancient practice of harvesting sea salt by hand. This salt is appreciated by gourmets all over the world for its exceptional taste.
SOLINE Pridelava soli d.o.o., which manages the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, is committed to preserving the environment and the cultural heritage of salt production. Our methods are sustainable and therefore also support the biodiversity of the area. By choosing our products, you are not only enjoying salt of the highest quality, but also supporting the preservation of this unique natural treasure and the centuries-old tradition of salt production, which, as a living masterpiece, is an important part of the Slovenian intangible cultural heritage.
SEA SALTS FROM THE SEČOVLJE SALT PANS:
PIRAN SALT:
Piran Salt is a coarse, unrefined sea salt known for its higher mineral content, particularly its higher average magnesium content. In 2005, it obtained a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Slovenia, and at the European level in 2014.
Piran Salt is a salt of the highest quality and can only be produced during extremely dry summer periods, which allow the brine to reach its highest density. Only the most experienced and dedicated salt makers can produce this type of salt.
TRADITIONAL SEA SALT:
Traditional Sea Salt is available in the forms of coarse unrefined non-iodised and fine iodised sea salt. It is produced using the same methods as Piran salt, but is distinguished from it by a slightly different mineral ratio and a slightly lower average magnesium content.
We also offer Traditional Sea Salt in our delicious herbal mixes. Choose between salt with Mediterranean herbs, herbs for fish, or for meat. In addition, we also offer salt combinations with sun-dried tomatoes, basil and rosemary, as well as naturally smoked sea salt.
SALT FLOWER - FLEUR DE SEL:
Often described as the tastiest of all salts, salt flower – fleur de sel can only be produced under particular weather conditions, when a thin and fragile layer of special crystals glistens on the surface of the brine in the crystallisation basins. These are carefully harvested by salt makers using tools designed for this purpose only. Salt flower is produced in incomparably smaller quantities than the coarse salts mentioned above.
Salt flower is particularly appreciated for its unique texture and subtle, complex flavour. It is not used during cooking, but rather to season cold dishes or already prepared food. It adds a delicate crunch to dishes and brings out the flavours in dishes.
Did you know that the salt from the Piran salt pans is one of the most delicious salts in the world, and that we even have scientific proof of this? In 2022, Japanese researcher Ryota Kataoka conducted a study on 35 table salt samples from around the world and found that the salts from the Piran salt pans were the tastiest of them all. He attributed this to the higher levels of glutamic acid (umami taste), whereby increased value is linked to the traditional process of salt extraction in the Piran salt pans. The full scientific paper is available here.
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE:
Whether you are a professional or a home cook, using salt from the Sečovlje salt pans can enhance your cooking with unbeatable flavours. Piran Salt, Traditional Sea Salt and Salt Flower – Fleur de sel, each with their own properties, elevate every dish. Discover the rich heritage and exceptional taste of our handmade sea salts and incorporate the timeless tradition of the Piran salt pans into your daily culinary masterpieces.
For the month of June only, you can enjoy a special 20% discount on our Salt with Rosemary. Don't miss this limited-time opportunity to enhance your dishes with this aromatic Mediterranean combination.
Salt is the sea that could not return to the sky.
About
SOLINE Pridelava soli d.o.o.
Seča 115, 6320 Portorož, Slovenija, EU
VAT Reg. No.: SI 61597856
Registration number: 1365495
Current account: 10100-0032654851
Registration at the District Court in Koper,
Reg. No. 1/05615/00.
Seča 115, 6320 Portorož, Slovenija, EU
VAT Reg. No.: SI 61597856
Registration number: 1365495
Current account: 10100-0032654851
Registration at the District Court in Koper,
Reg. No. 1/05615/00.