Salt from Maras

The salt ponds of Maras in Peru have been farmed since around 1450. The salt ponds date back to before the Incas. More than ten million years ago an internal sea covered the Andes mountain range. With the movement of the tectonic plates, the water level lowered and the mountains emerged. This is how Lake Titicaca appeared along with the Maras salt ponds.

There are about 3,600 Maras terraced salt ponds located in the Urubamba valley. Like salty marshes, the salt water evaporates leaving behind this wondrous pink salt. The salt ponds are farmed by a cooperative of 300 families in Maras. The ponds (or “pozos”) are handed down through the generations, with each family owning about 5 - 10 ponds. The salt is harvested during the dry season, in May and June with around 3,000 tons of salt produced annually on the Maras mountainside. Maras salt goes deliciously with fish, King prawns, shrimp and avocado salad or with fresh grapefruit. You can also add a few pinches to shortcrust pastry, chocolate desserts or vegetable tart. This Peruvian salt is perfect for all your daily dishes.