Blackthorn Salt

To create their unique salt, the team at Blackthorn has revived and perfected the ancient Graduation Thorn Tower technique, inspired by the great salt towers of 18th-century Germany and Poland. Today, their phenomenal structure is the only working thorn tower in the world, and the first of its kind ever built in the UK.

The colossal wooden tower is packed tightly with bundles of indigenous blackthorn, one of the oldest native trees in the UK. Seawater is gently trickled down through the thorny branches, spreading out the surface area to maximise its exposure to the powerful coastal winds and sun. In a staggering feat of natural engineering, this elemental method evaporates 80-90% of the water. The process reduces a massive 26,000-litre load of seawater down to just 2,000 litres entirely by itself, utilising 85% less energy than standard applied heating methods.

Operating the tower requires an intimate understanding of the Scottish weather, expertly led by Blackthorn’s dedicated team of master salters: Gregorie, Whirly, Haley, and Malky. This passionate team constantly monitors the climate, rainfall, and humidity. Depending on the elements, the salters manually adjust the flow rates across 54 distinct wooden taps to ensure the seawater cascades perfectly through the thorns. Working entirely in harmony with the environment, the highly concentrated brine acts as a natural preservative for the branches, as the salt naturally seals the wood to ensure the longevity of the tower.

This painstaking, elemental process produces an extraordinary salt. Passing through the blackthorn wood adds a distinct depth and mellowness to the final product. The resulting mineral-rich crystals deliver a beautifully tangy, sweet, and incredibly moreish flavour that refracts and enhances the taste of any dish. Already a favourite among Michelin-starred chefs, it is a salt composed entirely of nature: the sea, the wind, and the thorns.

We are proud to feature Blackthorn Salt within our Scottish hampers, carefully chosen for its eco-efficient craftsmanship, striking flavour, and deep connection to the coastline.

This naturally crafted, mineral-rich sea salt offers a magnificent crystal crunch. Boasting a wonderfully mellow and mouth-watering tang, it is the ultimate finishing salt. We highly recommend sprinkling it by hand to experience its true textural satisfaction and to add a touch of sophisticated, rolling sweetness to any meal.