salt of the earth: salt harvesting at the pink lake

salt of the earth: salt harvesting at the pink lake

At Mount Zero, we're dedicated to regionalism, sustainability and quality across our range โ€“ butย ourย Pink Lake Salt is a product that isย particularly close to our hearts.

The Lochiel Pink Lake is aboutย 50km up the road fromย the original Mount Zero olive grove, and is fed by natural salt aquifers. Each summer it driesย out to reveal a bed of salmon coloured pink salt. Mount Zero and the lake's traditional owners, theย Barengi Gadjin Land Council, have been working together for more than a decade to hand harvest a small amount of salt from the lake each year.ย 

It's pure and unadulterated salt โ€“ย rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, iron, manganese, zinc and copper, as wellย beta carotene, the pigment that develops its lovely pink colour.

The ABC recently spoke to General Manager Rich Seymour as well asย Wotjobaluk elder and artistย Aunty Nancy Harrison, as part of Hetty McKinnon'sย The Kitchen Tableย series forย The History Listen. Aunty Nancy's artwork can be foundย on tables and shelves across the country, wrapping the salt in her distinctive motif. You canย listen to the full 28-minute episode on salt in Australia here.

Aunty Nancy Harrison, Wotjobaluk elder and artist, with Adrian Morgan (traditional owner) at the Pink Lake

We are committed to working closely with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council into the future, ensuring there are mutual benefits as part of our salt harvest collaboration that spans consultation, employment and payment.

ย 

With thanks to Hetty, Miyuki and Tim from the ABC for researching and sharing this story of harvest at the Pink Lake!

Shop the Pink Lake Salt range

Back to blog