Did you know that salt can taste more than just salty? Neither
did I until our afternoon 'school trip' to Halen Mon.
The award winning Saltcote and Visitor Centre is also known as Ty
Halen which translates as the Salt House. It is just a ten minute
drive down a windy road from Brynsiencyn and next door to Wales'
largest aquarium, Anglesey sea Zoo.
Perched on the bank of the Menai Straits - it is perfectly
located for salt harvest, and perfectly productive for our salty
cravings. You can even try before you buy if you take part in the
behind the scenes tour, which I thoroughly enjoyed! Products
ranging from sweet salted caramel (a not-so-guilty pleasure of
mine) to chili and garlic infused salt. One way or another, there
is something for everyone. No need for Christmas wish lists next
year!
It was on our little expedition that we discovered the birth of
Halen Mon. The very same couple who built Anglesey sea zoo upon
twelve years of local sea-life knowledge, earned while running a
wholesale fish and game business, also created Halen Mon from small
beginnings.
The quiet winter season inspired the new project venture while
boiling Anglesey water in a saucepan on the aga, when all of a
sudden a mental lightbulb lit up - salt crystals started forming
and this lead to supplying Halen Mon sea salt to the local
butchers. From Swains butchers to the Whitehouse, their salt is
enjoyed by neighbours, by US President Barack Obama and everyone
inbetween. Their products can be found across 22 different
countries globally, and best of all, it is here for you and I to
enjoy.
At the lovely price of £6 per head for a dedicated tour guide you
can learn all about the use of salt in our history, culture, food
and of course the processes involved to create a top-notch
seasoning. Two of my personal favourites were the oriental spiced
salt mix and the vanilla salt. At the end of the session I felt I
became quite the salt connoisseur evaluating the texture, strength
and individuality. Be careful not to overdo it, it's thirsty work
you know!
If you are as weak willed as I am, you will leave the gift shop
with a box of goodies. A drinking jar, two packets of salt, and a
jar of salted caramel later I headed back to the office eager to
show off my buys, proud as punch to say the least.