LION Salt Works will launch its first special exhibition since the pandemic began later this month.

A Brine Romance: Salt and Food will explore mankind’s complex relationship with salt – why it makes food taste so good and how it has been a crucial ingredient in many of our favourite foods.

It will also answer questions like ‘why does tequila taste so good with salt?' and ‘why do you add a pinch of salt to pastry?’.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Whether you put it on your fish and chips or use it in home-made bread, salt is critical to human health, when not eaten to excess.

“Cheshire is the county in Britain with the largest salt reserves, so it is appropriate that the Lion Salt Works Museum – one of the last open-pan, salt-making sites in the world – is exploring the inextricable history of salt and food.

“This exhibition will leave you feeling differently about the food you eat and I hope people will take time to visit this interesting exhibition.”

Today, salt is a readily available, moderately-priced commodity but historically it was enormously valuable commodity over which wars were fought.

This exhibition offers insights and background into salt’s fascinating history and how it came to be used in the foods we eat today – from ketchup and soya sauce to corned beef and cheese.

It also explores how salt was used to preserve foods, how it affects our taste buds and how and why it is used in ceremonial foods for many of the world’s religions.

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The exhibition will begin at the award-winning Lion Salt Works Museum on Tuesday, October 20, and last until January 2021.

Pre-booking is required due to coronavirus restrictions.

For more information see westcheshiremuseums.co.uk