One of The Rarest Salt in the World is from the Philippines (Asin Tibuok)

Summary

This video showcases the traditional and labor-intensive process of making Asin Tibuk, a rare artisanal sea salt from Bohol, Philippines. The salt, valued for its purity and mineral richness, is produced using ancient methods passed down through generations. Despite its historical importance, the tradition is facing extinction, with only a few families keeping the craft alive. The video highlights the challenges of maintaining the practice and the efforts of the Manungas family, who revived salt-making in the 1990s, ensuring that Asin Tibuk continues to gain recognition worldwide. The future of this cultural legacy remains uncertain, dependent on younger generations to carry it forward.

Takeaways

• 😀 Salt is a common yet often overlooked ingredient that has a rich history and diverse variations depending on its source and processing.
• 😀 In ancient times, salt was so valuable that it was used as currency, with Roman soldiers being paid in salt rather than money.
• 😀 The Philippines produces a unique type of salt, such as the fluffy Flor de Sel-like salt from Pangasinan and the traditional Asin Tibuk from Bohol.
• 😀 Asin Tibuk is an artisanal sea salt that is harvested using a complex, time-consuming process and is highly prized for its purity and flavor.
• 😀 The salt-making process for Asin Tibuk requires meticulous care, beginning with the preparation of coconut husks to act as vessels for seawater.
• 😀 This traditional method, which dates back to pre-colonial times, is on the brink of extinction, with only a few families still practicing it.
• 😀 The Manungas family from Bohol is one of the last remaining salt-making families, passing down the craft for generations despite its gradual decline.
• 😀 Asin Tibuk salt is made by burning coconut husks to produce ash, which is then filtered and evaporated in clay pots over an open furnace.
• 😀 Despite its labor-intensive process, Asin Tibuk salt is more expensive than regular table salt but compares favorably to international artisanal salts in price.
• 😀 The salt-making tradition faced decline due to younger generations losing interest and the destruction of salt huts by natural disasters, but efforts are being made to revive it.
• 😀 Thanks to Father Chris Manungas’ persistence, the family salt-making tradition was revived, and Asin Tibuk has gained international recognition, including being listed in the Slow Food Arc of Taste catalog.

Q & A

Why is salt considered so important historically and culturally?

Salt has been historically valuable due to its essential role in food preservation and flavor enhancement. In ancient Rome, it was even used as currency, earning the nickname 'white gold.' It also contributes to the origin of words like 'salary' and 'salad,' both derived from the Latin word for salt.

What makes Asin Tibuok different from other types of salt?

Asin Tibuok is a rare, artisanal sea salt from Bohol, Philippines, known for its intensely salty taste and unique production method. It is created using a multi-step process that involves soaking and burning coconut husks, leaching seawater through ash, and simmering it in clay pots over a constant fire.

How is the process of making Asin Tibuok different from modern salt production?

The process of making Asin Tibuok is highly labor-intensive and traditional. It involves natural materials like coconut husks and seawater, whereas modern salt production often uses machines and more industrial methods. The production of Asin Tibuok also requires more time and attention, with some steps taking several days to complete.

What challenges does the production of Asin Tibuok face today?

The main challenge for Asin Tibuok is the decline in interest from younger generations, who are less inclined to continue the labor-intensive salt-making tradition. Additionally, natural conditions like rain can ruin a batch, and the process requires constant attention, making it difficult to sustain the tradition.

How did the Manungas family contribute to the revival of Asin Tibuok?

The Manungas family, particularly Father Chris, played a significant role in reviving the tradition of making Asin Tibuok. After their salt-making practices were abandoned, Father Chris decided to reintroduce the craft in the 1990s, using modern machinery to assist with the labor-intensive process and slowly gaining recognition for the product.

What role does Father Chris play in the salt-making tradition?

Father Chris is the key figure in reviving the salt-making tradition in his family. He not only convinced his siblings to return to the practice but also faced significant financial challenges and setbacks to bring the craft back to life. His efforts helped ensure the continued production of Asin Tibuok.

What is the significance of Asin Tibuok's inclusion in the Slow Food Foundation's Ark of Taste?

Asin Tibuok's inclusion in the Slow Food Foundation's Ark of Taste in 2016 is a significant achievement. It recognizes the salt as an endangered food product, highlighting its cultural and culinary value. This recognition has helped attract international attention and buyers, contributing to the revival of interest in the traditional salt.

Why is the salt-making process called 'dinosaur egg'?

The salt-making process is called 'dinosaur egg' because, during the simmering phase, the solid mass of salt accumulates at the bottom of the pot until the clay pot cracks. The shape of the cracked pot and the hardened salt resembles the appearance of an egg, earning it this unique nickname.

How does the Manungas family's salt-making process contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage?

The Manungas family's salt-making process helps preserve cultural heritage by maintaining a centuries-old tradition that connects them to their ancestors. The careful, time-consuming method of creating Asin Tibuok reflects the value of slow, artisanal craftsmanship and the connection between food, nature, and community.

What is the future of the Asin Tibuok salt-making tradition?

The future of the Asin Tibuok tradition is uncertain, as the younger generation shows little interest in continuing the labor-intensive process. However, there is hope because some artisans, like Father Chris' assistant, are willing to carry on the craft. The growing international recognition may also help ensure its survival if younger people become inspired to continue the tradition.