Collins Country
Salt I am reading the most interesting book right now: Salt: A World History. Who knew what a part salt has played in our history? So far we have discussed China, the Celts, the Basques, Vikings…it’s amazing how long and how wide-spread the salt industry is.
The names of so many cities, rivers, and words have their roots in the salt industry. For example, Salary comes form the word salt. Roman soldiers were paid in salt. That’s also why we say “worth your weight in salt” or “working for your salt.” Even the word soldier is derived from salt.
The processes that we use to cure foods have been around for thousands of years! I guess if something works, you don’t fix it? Corned beef, which was first done in Ireland (which is why we eat it on St. Patrick’s Day) hasn’t changed a lot, although the process seems much more sanitary than it was.
Did you know that “corned beef” has nothing to do with corn? The English used the word corn to refer to little bits on the meat. In this case, salt. LOL It was sort of a derisive phrase and I think the Irish actually called it Spiced Beef.
I know that was probably way more information than most people want about salt, but it is so interesting. I recommend this book if you are interested in History and/or food!
The author, Mark Kurlansky, has a light-hearted and humorous approach to history that makes it an easy read. He also wrote Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World!. I put that on my Amazon.com wish-list.
 http://www.countryclipart.com
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