Aizu Mountain Salt

[Must Buy If Found] The mysterious seasoning crystallized from the earth's secrets and the pride of artisans: 'Aizu Mountain Salt'

Did you know that exquisite 'salt' is being produced deep in the mountains of Urabandai, far from the sea? 'Aizu Mountain Salt', made by evaporating the spring water from 'Oshio Urabandai Onsen' at the foot of Mount Bandai, has a prestigious history as the official salt of the Aizu domain and was even offered to the imperial family, making it a rare salt known to those in the know.

■ Can salt be made from mountain hot springs? The romantic background of the earth 
The secret lies in the dynamic layers of the earth, where seawater components were trapped underground due to tectonic movements in ancient times and are now being dissolved by the heat of Mount Bandai. The salt is painstakingly made by simmering the salt-rich spring water in traditional pots for several days. Remarkably, only about 1 kilogram of salt can be extracted from 100 liters of hot spring water.

■ Overwhelming shortage! 'Sweet salt' that dramatically changes the taste of dishes 
Compared to seawater salt, it has no sharpness, and the biggest feature is the mild 'sweetness' felt behind the saltiness. Just a little on tempura, boiled eggs, or rice balls can explosively enhance the umami of the ingredients. However, due to the traditional handmade production method, the output is extremely low, and it is always in short supply even in local stores. If you happen to see it on the shelves, the rule is to 'buy it immediately without hesitation'! Please take the blessings of the earth from Urabandai home with you.