Sea Salt vs PDV Salt: What is the difference and why it matters
When selecting the appropriate kind of salt for industrial uses or culinary purposes, recognizing the differences between sea salt and PDV salt (Pure Dried Vacuum Salt) is crucial—not only for quality but also for health and sustainability.
How sea salt is produced
Sea salt is produced through the natural evaporation of seawater in salt flats, using sunlight and wind as energy resources. This environmentally friendly technique does not involve chemical additives and is considered highly sustainable. Since it undergoes minimal processing, sea salt keeps important minerals and trace elements like magnesium, calcium and potassium, which are beneficial for the human body.
What is PDV salt?
PDV salt, known as vacuum salt, is created by extracting brine from underground salt deposits, which is then chemically cleansed to remove any impurities. This method consumes a substantial amount of energy, resulting in a significant carbon footprint. While PDV salt is purified to a high degree, it does not contain the natural minerals found in sea salt.
Benefits of sea salt over PDV salt
No additives: Sea salt does not contain artificial chemicals or refining substances.
Lower environmental impact: The solar evaporation technique uses far less energy.
Nutritional value: Sea salt in itself has minerals that are good for health.
Versatile grain sizes: Sea salt can come in coarse, fine, or irregular shapes, making it suitable for different uses, unlike the uniform texture of vacuum salt.
Practical applications and industry insights
In the food industry, selecting between sea salt and PDV salt can significantly impact both flavor and processing outcomes. Sea salt is often favored in gourmet and health-conscious products due to its natural sourcing and mineral properties. On the other hand, PDV salt, known for its consistency and purity, is commonly used in baking, processed food production and specific industrial applications where uniformity and solubility are required.
Furthermore, industries seeking to lessen their carbon emissions are increasingly evaluating the environmental costs of using vacuum salt over more sustainable alternatives like sea salt. This makes sea salt a strategic option, not only for artisanal or organic brands but also for companies seeking to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
Whether you are in the food sector or seeking a more eco-friendly choice, sea salt presents a tastier, more natural, and sustainable option compared to PDV salt. Selecting the appropriate salt is significant—not only for product quality but also for environmental stewardship and long-term health benefits.