Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky

Wow, I now know a lot about Salt. I remember seeing Salt: A World History back when it came out. I don't read a lot of nonfiction but I love history and I love food. When I find a book that combines both, sign me up!
Alton Brown (my favorite Food Channel personality) talks about salt and why people cook with it.

Once I saw this episode of Good Eats, the more varied in my salt collection (seen here). It's easy to see why I wanted to read Salt. I love salt but I didn't know much about this important element. I learned how salt is harvested, used as a currency and how it shaped cultures around the world. I know now more about salt than I ever thought I would. Salt also talks about 2 of my favorite condiments and how they rely on salt-soy sauce and Tabasco.
Kurlansky really walks you through the world and it's need for salt. Not only in food form but as a commodity to trade with other countries. The book is never dull as it shifts from Asia to Europe to Africa to North America. Telling stories we've heard before, uncovering facts and teaching me about history through one item-salt. Fascinating! Recommended for foodies and history buffs.
Others who read Salt: A World History and shared their thoughts: Lal's Niche, Ex Libris, My American Essentials, and David's Irreverent Book Reviews.