ASIN TIBOOK (BOHOL)

Asin Tibook or Asin Tibuok of Bohol was once made in several towns along the coastline but is now crafted solely in the town of Albuquerque. 

It is made using a labor-intensive, pre-Hispanic process that in fact historically coincided with the rice harvest. Traditionally, whole or "tibook" salt pots were bartered for sacks of rice. Coconut husks are soaked for 3 months in saltwater pools by the mangrove. After being burnt in a highly controlled manner, its ashes are placed in large filters, then leached with seawater to make a very highly concentrated brine.

The concentrated brine is poured continuously for 8 hours into specially made clay pots placed over a wood fire. The saltmaker keeps a close eye on evaporation, as the pots will crack if not filled. The result: a smoky orb of salt, with a tinge of sweetness, that weighs roughly a kilo.

Use it cracked, grated, or let us know if you want it smashed.