A Sea that Left a Mark
Millions of years ago, the Iberian Peninsula was the bed of a vast ocean known as the Tethys Sea. Over time, this body of water evaporated, leaving behind a rich mix of sediments, including gypsum, clays and, of course, salt. This geological process intensified when the Iberian plate collided with the Eurasian plate, forming the Pyrenees approximately eighty million years ago. This violent encounter of tectonic plates transformed the salt deposits into mountains, which occasionally emerge on the surface.
The Importance of Salt in History
Throughout history, salt has been an essential resource for humanity, not only to preserve food, but also to regulate vital functions in the body. Since ancient times, having access to a source of salt water was considered a true treasure. In this context, salt production became a symbol of power and wealth, as demonstrated by the influence of the Dukes of Cardona and the abbots of Santa María de Gerri.
State Control and Local Resistance
With the arrival of the Bourbons and the implementation of the New Plant, salt production in Spain was monopolized by the state, severely limiting the ability of locals to extract this resource. In Cambrils, the intervention of government officials to control production generated resistance among the inhabitants, who ingeniously continued to produce salt in secret, thus defying the imposed regulations.
The Cambrils Salt Spring: A Natural Treasure
Today, the Cambrils salt spring is presented as a true discovery. With a density of three hundred grams of salt per liter, it is positioned as one of the most saline in the world, surpassing many other local sources. Its composition is almost pure, consisting mainly of sodium chloride. After a period of abandonment, the fountain has been restored and now channels salt water into spaces designed for evaporation, where approximately two hundred and eighty kilos of high-quality salt are produced per session.
A Promising Future in Local Gastronomy
The salt obtained from this source is not only a delight for the palate, but also supplies several local producers, including preserves and cheese factories. The drive of Sergi Casals and Marta Martín, who have led the management of the salt mines and the La Teuleria gastrobar since 2020, has revitalized the salt tradition of the region. This space has become a meeting point where visitors can taste local delicacies while appreciating the historical and cultural richness surrounding salt.
Reflections on Cultural Legacy
The history of salt in Cambrils is an example of how natural resources can shape the social and economic dynamics of a community. The importance of salt goes beyond its practical use; it symbolises human resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. By visiting the salt spring and experiencing its history, visitors not only acquire a quality product, but also connect with a cultural legacy that endures over time.