Pahadi namak (salt) has been a traditional staple in Uttarakhand households.

Pounded and ground, in a myriad of combinations of herbs and rock salts, this coarse pisi (or pisyu) loon (salt ground with herbs and spices) is indeed a magical addition to the cuisine!

Recipes of these flavoured salts have been passed down from generations of mothers to their daughters.

In the quiet hills of Kumaon and Garhwal, located in the east and west of Uttarakhand, respectively, a long line of salts infused with flavours of mustard, coriander, garlic, ginger, cumin, and different types of chillies (red, green, and yellow), form a crucial crux of their cuisine.

Apart from the extra punch they give to any boring dish, these salts are also simply eaten with rotis and parathas, as survival food during the winter when the mountain ranges are inaccessible.

From generous sprinkles on fruits and chats during summer to a slight dust over chapatis brushed with ghee in winter, daindoosa is one of the many salts that form an integral part of regular cuisine.

Since people living in hilly areas have a common habit of consuming less water during winter, including salt in their daily diet is a way of ensuring more hydration, as it makes one thirsty.

In several households, it is served as a side dish, particularly during the lean season when vegetable supplies become scanty.

While most talk about the flavours and colours of these salts, many believe that pahadi salt ensures that people consume more healthy herbs in their diet.

The usual ingredients in these salts — carom seeds, ginger, garlic, and cumin seeds are known for their digestive abilities, making them one of the top choices for a healthy diet.

Additionally, pisi loon is traditionally made of rock salt, which is high in micronutrients and contains no additives, making it organic.

Also, the coarse texture of rock salt, as opposed to the finely powdered table salt, enhances the aroma of the food.

Prepared by local women at home, the growing popularity of these flavoured salts in urban regions of the country has opened up a new possibility for livelihood and financial independence.