Chaka Salt

Chaka Salt

Chaka Salt is a protected geographical indication product.

　　  “Chaka Salt” is lake salt produced at Chaka Salt Lake in Wulan County, Qinghai Province. Influenced by its unique geographical, climatic, and environmental factors, Chaka Salt, compared to other salts  Fig. 1 Chaka Salt

　　  . It is distinguished by regularly shaped crystals, high purity of sodium chloride, low levels of soluble impurities, resistance to caking, and the absence of substances harmful to the human body. It contains a variety of essential trace elements needed by the human body such as calcium, magnesium, barium, copper, potassium, strontium, zinc, and selenium, as well as eight types of amino acids including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, leucine, and lysine. With a taste that is “salty yet sweet,” it offers a unique flavor and special seasoning effects.

　　  The salt crystals of “Chaka Salt” are fully formed, with high purity of sodium chloride, a clean white appearance, minimal impurities, no pollution, and no substances harmful to the human body. It has a “salty yet sweet taste, with a pleasantly savory flavor.” In contrast, sea salt undergoes a process of tidal intake, brine production, crystallization, storage, processing to finished product. Due to varying degrees of pollution in its raw material—seawater—the resulting product has higher moisture content, higher levels of water-soluble impurities, and a slightly astringent or bitter taste upon consumption.

　　  In 2009, after review by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, it was decided to implement national geographical indication product protection for “Chaka Salt.”

　　  Production History

　　　　    Chaka Salt Lake is the smallest but also the earliest developed among the four major salt lakes in the Qaidam Basin. The lake boasts a myriad of scenic sights, including salt harvesting landscapes, sunrise over the salt lake, and the wonders of salt flowers, forming a magnificent tableau. The mining of Chaka Salt has a long history, dating back at least to the Qin and Han dynasties. The “New Annals of Xining Prefecture” contains the following record: “Located to the west of the county seat, over 500 li away, southwest of Qinghai… spanning approximately 200-plus li, the salt is naturally formed and inexhaustible. The Mongols scoop it up with iron ladles and trade it at the jade market, upon which the local people rely.” By 1763 (the 28th year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty), salt regulations had been established. Before liberation, the Ma Bufang regime operated a salt field here, producing nearly a thousand tons of raw salt annually. After liberation, the ancient Chaka Salt Pond underwent continuous construction and development, initially achieving mechanized salt harvesting. The Chaka Salt Factory was built, and more than ten varieties were developed, including iodized salt, washing salt, regenerated salt, and powdered dry salt. It now produces several hundred thousand tons of high-quality raw salt annually, supplying not only all parts of Qinghai but also selling well in over 20 provinces and regions across China, as well as being exported to Japan, Nepal, the Middle East, and other areas, where it is widely welcomed.

　　  Protected Geographical Indication Product

　　  Protected Area

　　　　    The protected geographical indication area for Chaka Salt covers the entire administrative region of Wulan County, Qinghai Province.