according to legend...

According to legend, salt was first manufactured in Maldon nearly two thousand years ago by slaves of one Casius Petrox, commander of a Roman legion billeted near the town. The fog, damp and icy winds which swept across the open marshes to his camp were a great discomfort to a man used to the sunnier climates of Italy and caused his bones to ache. His only relief was to bathe in a bath of hot sea water prepared by slaves at the end of each day.

On one occasion, his return to camp was delayed and the slaves, fearful of punishment for not having the bath ready, kept the fire burning. As a result, the water was near to boiling so they still did not avoid their master's wrath. However, his temper calmed a little when Casius noticed small white crystals at the bottom of the bath - his slaves had inadvertently discovered a method of producing salt from sea water. Anger turned to praise after Casius sent samples to his brother officers who asked for more. Demand increased so the slaves made more and more salt and the commander resigned his commission to devote his energies to salt making.

Maldon Sea Salt has become known worldwide and has been featured on many radio and television programmes. Hundreds of articles have been written about it in addition to numerous references in many well-known cook books. Thus Maldon Salt has become an institution, run by the fourth generation of the Osborne family.

The key to its continued success lies in the production of a unique high quality product using traditional natural methods. It is this combination of quality and tradition that has won it international acclaim.

The Maldon Salt Company is now one of only a few manufacturers producing salt in England. It's still a small family run business and it’s for this very reason its success continues to grow from strength to strength. Maldon Salt's excellent quality has made it a prestigeous product.

Operating out of traditional black Essex weather-board buildings as it did back in 1882, Maldon Salt remains an enduring symbol of English manufacturing. It is one of only a few family-run businesses with a global reputation and its sights set on being around for another 130 years.

Because Maldon Salt is still hand harvested in the traditional manner, there will always be a limit to the amount that can be produced. Frequently production is outstripped by demand as its popularity with chefs grows both here and abroad.

Although very much a traditional skill, technology has still been able to play a significant role over the years. Maldon Salt, a unique and prestigious product, has become known for its flavour and quality, sought after by the health conscious and gourmets alike.