Since ancient times, salt has been a precious mineral. It was once traded ounce per ounce for gold and has even been used as a currency in Roman times. The word "salary" has its meaning based on the important role salt (sälē in Italian) has played throughout history. Salt is a natural product. It is either mined from the ground or is obtained through evaporated seawater. Alessi Kosher Sea Salt comes from the cool, blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea using the oldest method of obtaining salt: evaporation. Sea water is transferred through a series of evaporation. Kosher salt is obtained using a unique pressurized evaporation method that results in hollow, pyramid shaped crystals. Chefs enjoy using Kosher salt as the fragile crystals allow for controlled seasoning and pure, clean taste.