South Africa's sacred salt spices up top cuisines Hand-harvested from the banks of a remote river in northwestern South Africa, Baleni salt is developing a growing culinary following, as much for its unique taste as its back story. The salt, say locals, is sanctified by the spirits of their ancestors, for the crystals come from the water of a holy spring said to have healing powers. Top chefs prize it for crystals that are tiny, evenly-sized and chunky and with an inimitable savour.