To the south and in the sun in a late afternoon, the participants of the first action of the initiative “End of Afternoon in Salt” were able to collect their own salt, in an experience that aims to value the profession of salt and salt flower.
In Salina Félix, in the middle of the Sapal de Castro Marim and VRSA Nature Reserve, the new salineiros learned about the whole process of artisanal saliniculture, collecting the salt manually, with the ancestral techniques that the fresh salineiros taught them. Home they took an enriching experience, 1 bag of the “best salt in the world” and also 2 packs of salt flower, which they themselves collected from the herseherand.
The traditional sea salt of Castro Marim results from the conjugation of the salineiro’s work with the action of tides, sun and winds, and is not subject to any kind of subsequent treatment, presenting naturally white and bright. The salt flower was also observed, although atmospheric conditions did not allow collection. Also the salt flower does not undergo any kind of processing, dries in the sun and is then packed, maintaining the taste and humidity of the sea.
This initiative is part of a strategy of valorization and promotion of salineiro and, consequently, of salt, which is one of the ex-libris of Castro Marim. Providing this contact of proximity and familiarization, it hopes to increase and boost the commercialization of local products in the tourist chain. About 2 months ago Castro Marim was also able to see legally protected the name “Sal e Flor de Sal de Castro Marim” (PDO – Protected Designation of Origin).
The “End of Afternoon in Salt” is an action organized by the Municipality of Castro Marim and Odiana Association, integrated in the Blue Flag 2020 program and framed in the application “Heritage of Castro Marim: Valorization and Promotion of Local Producers and Endogenous Products”, composed by PO CRESC 2020, PADRE project, supported by Portugal and the European Union, co–financed at 70% by the FEDER.