Hidden on the picturesque Netarts Bay along the Oregon coast, Jacobsen Salt Co. is not just a salt-making facility; it’s a testament to the purity of nature and the passion of those who harness it. Their intricate process and profound dedication behind the creation of Jacobsen Salt Co.’s renowned sea salts, a journey that begins just 10 yards from the bay’s edge.
The Birth of a Salt Vision
Ben Jacobsen, the founder of Jacobsen Salt Co., embarked on a culinary quest that led him to Denmark, where he discovered the transformative power of high-quality salt. Returning to Oregon, he was determined to create an American-made salt that rivaled the best in the world. His journey took him along the Pacific Northwest coast, sampling seawater from 27 different locations. It was the waters of Netarts Bay, with their high salinity and pristine quality, influenced by millions of oysters, that captured his imagination and palate. “Netarts Bay was far and away the best,” Jacobsen recalls, emphasizing the bay’s unique conditions that make it ideal for salt-making.
A Confluence of Nature and Craftsmanship
The process at Jacobsen Salt Co. is a blend of natural conditions and meticulous human intervention. The seawater, drawn into the facility through a simple three-inch PVC line, undergoes a transformation that begins with reverse osmosis. This stage concentrates the brine, setting the stage for the magic of salt-making. “We want the salty part of the seawater, not the fresh water,” explains Jacobsen, “It gets separated by reverse osmosis”, highlighting the unique approach of their process.
Jason, who oversees operations at the coast, takes the pre-brine through successive stages of boiling and filtering. This careful process removes impurities like calcium and magnesium, ensuring the final product is not just salt, but a culinary gem. “It all has to line up right,” he notes, underscoring the precision required at every step.
The Art of Salt Formation
In the evaporator room, where the brine finally gives birth to salt, the environment is controlled to facilitate the formation of perfect crystals. “The salt crystals form on the surface of the brine through a very precise combination of time, temperature, and mineral composition,” Jacobsen describes, likening the process to a leaf gently falling from a tree. This delicate procedure results in salt that is not just a seasoning but an experience, described as “clean, briny, and sweet” by those who taste it.
The Human Touch: Crafting Each Flake
Post-production is where the human element truly shines. Amanda, a warehouse worker, is in charge of post-production ensuring that every flake of salt passes through her hands. An amazing amount of care and personal touch goes into every batch. The sifting process separates the different types of salt – kosher, flake, and the coveted pure flake, each serving a unique culinary purpose.
A Culinary Staple Redefined
Jacobsen Salt Co.’s salts have found their way into kitchens and restaurants across the country, transforming simple dishes into culinary delights. Their range of infused salts, like the Rosemary and Black Garlic, adds depth and complexity to any dish. “It’s an umami bomb,” Jacobsen says about the Black Garlic Salt, a favorite among chefs.
More Than Just Salt: A Commitment to Sustainability and Community
Jacobsen Salt Co. is deeply rooted in the community and the environment. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their process, from the way they draw seawater to how they manage waste. “We try very, very hard to recycle as much as we can,” says Jason, highlighting the company’s environmental ethos.
The Essence of Jacobsen Salt Co.
Jacobsen Salt Co. stands as a beacon of quality and dedication in the food industry. “Everybody’s gotta eat and everybody needs salt,” Jacobsen muses. Their salt is more than a seasoning; it’s a work of art, a product of the Oregon coast’s natural beauty and the human spirit’s ingenuity. As Jacobsen Salt Co. continues to steer nature’s course in creating their salt, they’re not just producing a culinary ingredient; they’re crafting a story of flavor, community, and the enduring bond between humans and the sea.
