Creating A Salty Sea Breeze Cologne At Home

Salt is a surprising ingredient in fragrances, but it's becoming more and more popular. Salt adds depth to fruity, floral, and citrus scents and enhances the smokiness of woody fragrances.

One popular fragrance that uses salt is Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt. This scent is described as earthy, with a salty, mineral texture reminiscent of sand and stones. It's designed to evoke the feeling of pleasure, freedom, and escape into nature, inspired by the unique character and quality of British beaches.

If you want to make your own salty sea cologne, you'll need to start by collecting and boiling seawater. This process will leave you with salt crystals that you can use to create your fragrance.

How to source the seawater

Sourcing seawater is the first step in making your own salty sea cologne. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Location

Firstly, you need to find a source of seawater. The best option is to collect it directly from the ocean, as this ensures the most authentic and natural seawater. Look for a location that is far from civilisation and pollution, as you want to avoid dirty water that may be harmful and affect the quality of your final product. Do some research on the pollution levels along your coast to find the best spot.

Collection

Once you have identified a suitable location, take your containers and collect the seawater. You can use 5-gallon buckets with lids, milk jugs for smaller batches, or coolers for larger quantities. The amount of seawater you collect will depend on how much cologne you want to make and how much time you are willing to invest, as the process is time-consuming. A good rule of thumb is that 5 gallons of seawater will yield around 4 cups of salt.

Preparation

Let the collected seawater sit for a while, allowing any sediment and particles to settle at the bottom. Then, carefully siphon or scoop the water from the top, being careful not to disturb the sediment. Use a filter to remove any remaining sand or particles; a dishcloth in a sieve works well for this.

Evaporation

Now you are ready to turn your saltwater into salt. There are several methods to do this, each with its advantages and disadvantages:

Constant Boil

This method involves boiling the seawater constantly until about half of the water has evaporated. At this point, you need to start stirring the mixture infrequently at first and then more frequently as more water evaporates. The goal is to avoid scorching the salt and achieve a consistency similar to wet sand. This is the quickest method but requires careful attention to avoid burning the salt.

Simmering

This method involves simmering the seawater at a low temperature for an extended period, which can take multiple days. While this reduces the risk of scorching, it is more energy-intensive and may still require occasional stirring. As with the previous method, you are aiming for a wet sand consistency.

Gradual Heat Reduction

This technique is a balance between the previous two methods and involves starting with a full boil and then gradually reducing the heat as the water evaporates. By decreasing the heat slowly, you can prevent scorching without the constant stirring required in the constant boil method. This method takes longer than a constant boil but requires less interaction.

Drying

Once you have achieved the desired consistency, scoop the salt into a pan to dry. The larger the pan, the faster it will dry. You can speed up the drying process by placing the pan in direct sunlight or in the oven at a very low temperature (around 170 °F). Be careful not to burn the salt during this step.

Storage

Once your salt is completely dry, you can store it in spice jars, mason jars, or other suitable containers. If you want to use the salt for cooking, consider grinding it first. You can also mix it with herbs or spices to create your own unique seasoning blends.

Now that you have sourced and prepared your seawater-derived salt, you are ready to move on to the next steps of creating your salty sea cologne!

How to filter the seawater

Filtering seawater is the first step in the purification process. It is important to filter the water before boiling, as bacteria and viruses will not be killed by boiling if they are covered in dust and sand.

Using a Cloth or Grass Mesh

You can use any piece of cloth, such as a shirt, or a non-poisonous grass mesh to slowly filter solid particles from your seawater. Catch the filtered water in a plastic bottle so you can easily see if there are improvements in the clarity of your water. If the water is still not clear, you can try filtering it again or thickening the cloth layer.

Using a Strainer or Sieve

Before boiling your seawater, let it sit for a while to allow any sediment and particles to settle. Then, use a dishcloth in a sieve or strainer to filter the water as you scoop or siphon it into your pot for boiling. This will help remove any sand or other particles from the water.

Solar Distillation

This method uses the sun's natural energy to purify water. Dig a hole in the ground and add some vegetation for extra moisture. Then, pour your seawater into the hole and cover it securely with a large piece of plastic. As the water heats up in the sun, it will evaporate, leaving the salt and other particles behind. The condensed freshwater will drip down the plastic and collect in a cup or bowl placed in the middle of the hole.

Boiling

Bring your seawater to a boil in a pot on the stove. As the water boils, it will evaporate, leaving the salt behind. Be careful not to scorch the salt, and stir frequently as the water evaporates. When the salt reaches the consistency of wet sand, scoop it out into a pan to dry. You can place the pan in the oven at a low temperature or by a window to speed up the drying process.

How to boil the seawater

To make a salty sea cologne, you'll first need to get your hands on some seawater. It's important to collect your seawater from a clean source, so do some research on the pollution levels of the coast you plan to visit. The further from civilisation, the better.

Once you have your seawater, you'll need to let it sit so that any sediment can settle. Then, scoop the water from the top of the container, being careful not to disturb the sediment at the bottom, and filter it into a stockpot.

Now, you're ready to boil! There are a few different methods you can use to boil your seawater:

Method 1: Constant Boil

Bring your seawater to a boil. Once about half of the water has evaporated or you start seeing salt form in the water, start stirring infrequently at first and then more frequently as more water evaporates. Continue until you are continuously stirring and the salt has the consistency of wet sand. Remember not to scorch the salt!

Method 2: Simmering

This method involves simmering the seawater at a low heat for a longer period to evaporate the water without risking scorching the salt. This method can take multiple days and will cost more in energy, but it may be a better option if you don't want to constantly stir your mixture.

Method 3: Gradual Heat Reduction

Start with a full boil at high heat until about half of the water has evaporated. Then, reduce the heat to medium-high. As the water continues to evaporate, turn the heat down lower and lower until you reach medium-low. This method helps prevent scorching without requiring constant stirring. It will take longer than boiling the entire time, but it requires less interaction.

Once your seawater has been boiled down and your salt has the consistency of wet sand, scoop it into a pan to dry. The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the amount of salt and how wet it is. You can place the pan in a sunny spot to speed up the drying process or put it in the oven at a very low temperature.

And that's it! You've successfully boiled seawater and extracted the salt. Now you can use this salt to create your own unique cologne.

How to dry the salt

Drying salt is an important step in the salt-making process, as it ensures your final product is ready for use and storage. Here is a detailed guide on how to dry your salt:

Methods for Drying Salt:

Oven-Baking:

• Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Spread a thin layer of salt evenly across the parchment paper.
• Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes. For a completely "RAW" salt, turn off the oven at this point.
• Stir the salt to break up any clumps that have formed.
• Continue baking until the salt reaches your desired level of dryness. Remember, the drying time will vary based on the humidity of your environment and the initial moisture content of your salt.
• Turn off the oven and leave the salt inside to cool down.
• Once cooled, transfer the salt to a glass airtight container for storage.

Sun-Drying:

• After boiling and straining your salt, spread it thinly onto a large pan.
• Place the pan in a sunny spot, such as near a window, to utilize the sun's heat for drying.
• Stir the salt occasionally to prevent clumping and ensure even drying.
• The drying time will depend on the amount of salt, its moisture content, and environmental factors.
• Once the salt is completely dry, store it in a glass airtight container.

Tips for Successful Salt Drying:

• Be cautious when oven-drying salt, as temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the salt to discolor and alter its flavor.
• When boiling saltwater to crystallize the salt, avoid scorching the salt by carefully controlling the heat and stirring frequently.
• To avoid losing salt during the boiling process, use a large enough container to prevent overflow.
• If you're drying a small batch of salt, using the oven method will be more efficient than sun-drying.
• Ensure your salt is completely dry before grinding it, as wet salt can clog a grinder.

How to store the salt

Salt is a staple in every kitchen and can be used to make a variety of products, including cologne. However, storing salt correctly is essential to maintain its quality and properties. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store salt:

Choose the Right Container

Select a container that is made of glass, plastic, or wood. Chemically, all these materials are safe for storing salt. However, it is important to ensure that the container is airtight and has a secure seal. This will prevent moisture and steam from affecting the salt, which can cause clumping and alter its taste.

Consider the Storage Location

Salt should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark location. Avoid placing it near the stove or in areas with high humidity, as this can cause the salt to absorb moisture and affect its properties. Keep the salt away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can impact its quality over time.

Transfer Salt Carefully

When transferring salt from its original packaging to a new container, use a clean spoon or scoop to avoid contamination. Avoid using your hands, as this can introduce bacteria and moisture to the salt. Handle the salt gently to prevent breakage or crumbling, especially if using a glass container.

Maintain Proper Storage Conditions

Keep the storage area clean and free from strong odours. Salt can absorb moisture and odours from its surroundings, so it is important to ensure the environment is suitable. Avoid exposing the salt to extreme temperatures, and maintain a consistent room temperature to prevent caking and clumping.

Store Different Types of Salt Separately

If you have multiple types of salt, such as kosher salt, sea salt, or iodized salt, store them separately. Each type of salt has unique properties and intended uses. Storing them separately will make it easier to identify and use the correct type of salt for your needs.

Label the Containers

Label each container clearly, indicating the type of salt and the date it was packaged. This will help you keep track of the salt's freshness and ensure you are using the correct variety for your recipes or projects.

By following these instructions, you can effectively store salt and maintain its quality. Proper storage will ensure the salt remains usable for an extended period and preserves its unique properties, whether it is intended for culinary, cosmetic, or other purposes.

Frequently asked questions