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Salt of the Earth: A Conversation with Jorge at Salmarim
30 June 2025
In this special interview, we talk to Jorge at Salmarim, an artisanal salt producer whose activity is deeply rooted in the Algarve. He shares reflections on his craft, the landscape that inspires him, and the understated values that guide both his life and his work.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself?
Salmarim is a family business, which is dedicated to the production of salt in an artisanal way.
Q: What inspired you to start and how did you get involved?
Not moments of inspiration. There are moments of deciding and seizing the opportunity. And to change. We harvested a fantastic product, fleur de sel. And what is it? A premium ingredient that deserves better attention, which is but not the rennet of the salt pan, is like the cream of milk when we boil it: that fatty matter that forms on the surface of the milk, and in this case, that cream is the minerals of the salt while evaporation happens every day throughout the afternoon. We develop new products, which start with improving the quality of the crystals we harvest, irregular, light, loose, dry.. and packaged in an exclusive salt shaker, winner of one of the most prestigious international design awards, Red Dot Award best of the Best developed by the Nuts Branding agency, in national cork and glass.
Q: What do you think makes Tavira, and the region, such a unique place?
The proximity of Castro Marim! Ria Formosa provides a unique and protected landscape, and the richness of the beaches that is complicit in the calm of the mountains.
Q: Do you have a favorite place in this area that you think more people should know about?
Walk on the beach in front of Cacela Velha, and then eat some oysters at the foot of the church.
Q: What's next for you in this project?
Consolidate internationalization, find the international partner to raise the Salmarim Brand abroad with the same audacity as we did in Portugal.
Q: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Obstinate, restless and collector.
Q: What is your favorite order at a local restaurant or café?
Light conversation, a good wine to share and roasted red mullets with mountain salad.
Q: If you had a free day to explore or enjoy the Eastern Algarve, how would you spend it?
I would like to go fishing for octopus, on a warm night, and from the sea see the stars dancing.
Q: What is a hidden talent or a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
Always dream... and believe!
Jorge's words remind us that true craftsmanship is born of patience, respect for nature and a deep sense of place. His dedication to Salmarim is not just about producing salt — it is also a way of preserving a way of life shaped by the land, the tides and time.
Contact information
Salmarim
Salina do Moinho das Meias,
Apart.42, 8950-909
Castro Marim
+351 966 922 437
