Salt & Fire: A Brief History of Preservation

Long before refrigeration transformed how we store food, humans mastered preservation using two powerful allies: salt and fire. This fascinating journey through history reveals how these ancient techniques shaped civilizations, controlled empires, and continue to protect the foods we love today. From Roman soldiers paid in salt to trade routes built around precious mineral deposits, discover why salt was once worth more than gold. Learn the science behind osmosis and how salt creates hostile environments for harmful bacteria while enhancing flavors. Explore how smoking and curing methods developed thousands of years ago still influence modern hot sauce production, proving that sometimes the oldest solutions remain the best.