It’s tough to pinpoint the origin of the salt cellar, in all probability as a result of individuals have been sprinkling salt on their meals for at the very least 8,000 years. By the Center Ages, when crystallized sodium chloride had change into extensively out there amongst Western civilizations, superb types of desk salt had been costly and due to this fact reserved for the wealthy. The higher crust flaunted the stuff at mealtimes as a present of wealth, typically in elaborate footed dishes made from silver, gold, porcelain, or glass. (The connection between salt and cash goes again even additional: The Latin phrase “sal” is taken into account the basis of the phrase “wage.”) Far more than a seasoning, salt has lengthy been prized for its means to protect meals—important in pre-refrigeration society. Across the 18th century, industrialization and developments in mining introduced the worth of salt down, and salt-serving vessels grew to become extra attainable as nicely.
As ceramics changed valuable metals, the salt cellar made its approach into kitchens, and a sensible “hood” was added to maintain out mud and particles. The decidedly valuable time period “salt pig” is probably going not a reference to the tubby animal, however quite an evolution from the Scottish phrase pygg, both an earthenware pot or just “clay.” Etymology apart, right this moment’s salt keepers are crafted for quite a lot of budgets and tastes, in order that the lots might season our meals with ease, whether or not tableside or on the range. From modern and spherical to colourful and quirky, these salty sidekicks will make sure you’re seasoning in fashion.
The protecting hood and earthenware development are a sublime homage to conventional British designs. Hand-shaped from superb bone china—the strongest kind of ceramic—this slick little piggy is simple to maneuver round, because of a looped deal with that’s out there in 4 daring colours.
It’d look extraterrestrial, however this enjoyable vessel is definitely an orb of sustainably sourced walnut wooden licensed by the Forest Stewardship Council. A swivel of the lid reveals the salt inside, and the bottom doubles as storage for pepper, spice blends, or a second salt selection.
North Carolina ceramists mix potash, kaolin, and flint to make the porcelain slip that varieties this dish. Although small in stature, the vessel maximizes quantity and minimizes mess. Nestle it beside your stovetop and also you’ll by no means have to achieve very far for a sprinkle of seasoning.
Handmade in Assisi, Umbria, this lidded cellar speaks to central Italy’s long-standing ceramic traditions. Its base materials is a uncommon black clay that’s been utilized by native artisans for hundreds of years with a particular charcoal sheen that glistens by means of its lush earth-tone glaze.
The beloved single-origin spice firm out of Oakland, California, teamed up with Inexperienced Heirloom for this imaginative tackle a salt pig that conjures a extra ferocious member of the animal kingdom (purple tongue-shaped spoon included). Crafted by potters in Kochi, Kerala, no two hand-painted tigers are precisely alike.
Concrete will get the tableside remedy on this minimalist quantity that’s each utilitarian and stylish. The South Carolina producer calls on native specialists for its Ductal concrete merchandise, that are completed with a food-safe seal. Bonus: Every cellar comes with a twee little spoon.
Stoneware, a sort of ceramic that comes with sand for a matte look, lends this sturdy vessel a satisfyingly gritty texture. A cosy lid retains filth and moisture out, guaranteeing your salt stays extra-dry. Plus, it’s stackable; double up, and also you’ll have handy storage for a spice combine or your second-favorite salt.
This Italian cellar is crafted from glass and pewter, a tin-based alloy relationship again at the very least 2,000 years (and sure used to vogue a few of the earliest cellars). Pewter requires little to no upkeep and is tarnish-resistant, so there’s no want for normal sprucing. The glass holder is detachable for straightforward washing.
Maximalists, rejoice! Although not explicitly a cellar, this sunny stash jar affords safety for no matter’s inside, plus a chunky deal with that provides modern flare. Each bit of white stoneware is thrown by hand earlier than it’s coated in a matte saffron glaze, so count on a little bit of good imperfection.
