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5 Secrets Behind Prince William Sound Salt Co.'s Flaky Alaskan Sea Salt That Make It The World's Purest

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The culinary world is buzzing about a small-batch, hand-harvested sea salt that captures the pristine essence of the Last Frontier. As of late December 2025, Prince William Sound Salt Co., operating out of the unique town of Whittier, Alaska, continues to redefine gourmet seasoning by sourcing its product from some of the cleanest, most mineral-rich deep ocean water on Earth. This company is not just producing salt; they are distilling the very flavor of the remote Alaskan wilderness into every delicate, flaky crystal, making it a must-have for chefs and food enthusiasts globally.

The company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical harvesting practices sets it apart in a crowded market. Founded by lifelong Alaskans, the entire operation is a testament to the region's raw, untouched beauty, relying on a unique process that maximizes the salt’s natural mineral content while minimizing environmental impact. It’s an authentic taste of the deep ocean, brought to your table with meticulous care and a deep respect for the Prince William Sound ecosystem.

The Founders: Chris Yelverton and Nick Olzenak's Vision

Prince William Sound Salt Co. is the brainchild of two passionate, lifelong Alaskans, Chris Yelverton and Nick Olzenak, whose deep connection to the water and the region inspired a new kind of gourmet food product. Their story is rooted in a desire to share the unique purity of their home.

  • Chris Yelverton: Known to be the General Manager of Alaska Mining & Diving Supply, Yelverton was the one who first noticed the seasoning potential of the sea while boating out of Whittier. This initial spark of curiosity in the deep ocean water of the Sound ultimately led to the company's founding.
  • Nick Olzenak: As a co-founder, Olzenak shares the vision for sustainable and ethical harvesting. Together with Yelverton, he began the process of harvesting the salt water during their first year of operations, which began around 2020.
  • The Mission: The founders are driven by the belief that "what you put in your body matters." Their entire business model is built around sustainable practices to ensure the ocean waters of Prince William Sound remain pristine for future generations.
  • Location: The company is based in Whittier, Alaska, a small, isolated community often called the "Gateway to Prince William Sound," making their operation truly authentic to the region.

The Five Essential Secrets of PWS Salt Co.'s Unique Salt

The exceptional quality of Prince William Sound Salt Co.'s product is not an accident; it is the result of a rigorous, ethically-driven process that leverages the unique geography and climate of Southcentral Alaska. These five factors are what truly distinguish their flaky sea salt.

1. The Deep Ocean Source: Purity and High Mineral Content

Unlike many sea salt producers who draw water from shallow coastal areas, Prince William Sound Salt Co. harvests its water from the deep ocean. This is a critical distinction for purity. The deep waters of the Sound, located within the Chugach Census Area, are known to have a higher mineral content and salinity level, while also being significantly cleaner than surface water.

  • Scientific Partnership: The company collaborates closely with experts at the Prince William Sound Science Center in Cordova, Alaska, to review research and determine the optimal locations for sourcing the deep ocean water. This scientific approach ensures they are collecting the best possible raw material.
  • Nutrient Density: The resulting salt is not just sodium chloride; it is a complex flavor profile enriched with trace minerals that give it a superior taste and texture compared to commercially refined table salts.

2. Hand-Harvested and Small-Batch Production

The operation is a labor of love, focusing on quality over volume. The salt is produced in small batches, ensuring every crystal receives meticulous attention. The process is entirely hand-harvested, a term that applies to both the collection of the water and the final scraping of the salt from the evaporation pans.

This artisanal approach prevents the mechanical crushing that can compromise the delicate structure of the salt flakes. The result is a light, airy, and crisp flake that dissolves beautifully on the palate, offering a burst of flavor without the harsh, overpowering salinity of common salts.

3. The Unique Alaskan Sun-Drying Process

Producing sea salt in Alaska, a region known for its temperate rainforest climate and long, dark winters, presents a unique challenge. While many salt companies in warmer climates rely solely on natural solar evaporation, Prince William Sound Salt Co. uses a carefully managed "sun-dried" or solar evaporation process adapted for the Alaskan environment.

  • Energy Efficiency: The company is committed to eco-friendly and sustainable production. The use of natural processes, even if supplemented by controlled heat, minimizes the carbon footprint, aligning with their ethical commitment to the pristine environment of the Sound.
  • Flake Formation: This slow, deliberate evaporation process is key to creating the signature flaky texture. As the water evaporates, the salt crystallizes into delicate pyramids or hollow flakes, often referred to as *fleur de sel* or finishing salt in other regions.

4. A Portfolio of Distinct, Alaskan-Inspired Flavors

Beyond their signature *Pure Flaky Alaskan Sea Salt*, the company has developed a range of infused salts that showcase the culinary flavors of the Alaskan wilderness. These product variations demonstrate their commitment to innovation and topical authority within the gourmet food sector.

  • Alder Smoked Sea Salt: This is arguably their most popular infused flavor. The salt is smoked using traditional Alaskan alderwood, imparting a delicate, earthy, and sweet smoky aroma that pairs perfectly with salmon, red meat, and even fresh fruits.
  • Rosemary Lemon: A bright, herbaceous blend perfect for poultry, roasted vegetables, and white fish.
  • Roasted Garlic: A savory, aromatic salt that enhances pasta, breads, and marinades.
  • Pure Sea Salt: The original product, celebrated for its clean, crisp, and mineral-rich flavor, making it a perfect finishing salt.

5. Dedication to Sustainability and Ethical Practices

The core ethos of Prince William Sound Salt Co. is sustainability. The founders are not just business owners; they are stewards of the Alaskan environment. Their belief in ethical practices is embedded in every step of the operation, from the location of their water source to their eco-friendly packaging.

By working with local experts and focusing on small-scale, non-industrial production, they ensure that their venture does not compromise the health of the Prince William Sound ecosystem. This dedication has earned them features on national platforms like "The Today Show" and "This Alaska Business," highlighting them as a model for ethical, place-based food production. Their success is a powerful example of how a small, dedicated company can bring a piece of the pure, wild Alaskan flavor to the world while protecting the source that makes it all possible.

5 Secrets Behind Prince William Sound Salt Co.'s Flaky Alaskan Sea Salt That Make It The World's Purest
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