Meet One Of The Last Salt Makers Keeping A 2,000-Year Old Mexican Tradition Alive | Still Standing

Indigenous people in Zapotitlán have been hand-making salt here for over 2,000 years. Today, producers can’t make enough money to sustain themselves. Many have abandoned their salt lands, but one producer is determined to keep his business alive.
Juan does not have a website for his business, he sells products locally and through his Facebook page: / juandiego.hernandezcortes
Since publishing this video, a kickstarter has been launched for Juan: www.micochinito.com/cochinito...
MORE STILL STANDING VIDEOS:
How Indian Potters Are Reinventing Themselves | Still Standing
• How Indian Potters Are...
How Books Are Handmade At The Last Printing Press Of Its Kind In The US | Still Standing
• How Books Are Handmade...
Meet The Last Family Keeping The 400-Year-Old Rogan Art Alive | Still Standing
• Meet The Last Family K...
------------------------------------------------------
#SaltMaking #StillStanding #BusinessInsider
Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more.
Visit us at: www.businessinsider.com
Subscribe: / businessinsider
BI on Facebook: read.bi/2xOcEcj
BI on Instagram: read.bi/2Q2D29T
BI on Twitter: read.bi/2xCnzGF
BI on Amazon Prime: read.bi/PrimeVideo
Meet One Of The Last Salt Makers Keeping A 2,000-Year Old Mexican Tradition Alive | Still Standing

[@georgemaherjr2290]

He makes $116 dollars a week, working from sun up to sun down, barefoot in the heat and he still has a great attitude about him. Respect 👊

[@welcometolife4237]

Respect while others is enjoying his hard work. Big LOL

[@georgemaherjr2290]

WelcomeTo Life Respect to HIM 🤦‍♂️

[@Kitty-mb2rf]

He should earn more, $116 really isn’t enough for bills,food,water,light etc. all respects go to him for working everyday

[@urgencepc4563]

He should sell on etsy :P

[@TazTalksYouListen]

We got a lot of complainers in the U.S. who get more than that from the government for doing nothing but making single-parent babies all day every day.

[@viniqf]

Being one of the last people to keep a certain tradition alive must be tough. Guy's working his ass off and can't even hire someone to help him because there isn't enough money.

[@abrahamsanchez7455]

Shut it

[@clarissareyes5268]

@@abrahamsanchez7455 no, you shut up tf

[@AtoriKushina]

@@clarissareyes5268 fr wtf

[@chaos2.233]

@@abrahamsanchez7455 stfu

[@yan2503]

If they have efficient logistic system they can setup an online shop and ship their product directly to customers around the world. Thats how China alleviate its people from poverty.

[@analaracruz4860]

I'm Mexican and it just fills me with joy to know that there are so many people around the world (apparently from the comments mostly in the US) that are willing to help to preserve this kind of tradition. You guys deserve the world. 🥰

[@LDuke-pc7kq]

USA loves Mexico ❤🇺🇸🇲🇽

[@chrisl8355]

@@LDuke-pc7kq 👎👎👎

[@pixelcount350]

@@chrisl8355 🤡

[@Jay_P86]

@@LDuke-pc7kq ......yeah okay lol

[@joeking4037]

I am Texican and Love mi Mexico Querido. All ways.

[@apopompi]

I used to live in Puebla, and I once tasted the salt from zapotitlán when my wife and I were trying our luck with a prehispanic recipe for tamales, which called for the use of this salt and this salt only. Best flavor ever. Very strong, earthy, unique, made the whole difference. I thought people were crazy for saying that salt could taste different, until I tried this one. We got it in a small rural shop near Cholula for very cheap, and the old woman who ran the shop was surprised since almost no one knew it even existed. It came in an unlabeled plastic bag closed with a stappler!

[@fanaticalplel1003]

He’s 41!? He looks like he’s in his early thirties or late 20s. Man looks young.

[@neoanderson7492]

must be the salt

[@unkindled6410]

@@neoanderson7492 weird since if longer exposition to the salt would dehydratate him more, meaning he would look older because his skin and eyes would be sore. I might be wrong though

[@eliaspepito3281]

@@unkindled6410 nah it’s a natural to assume that. I would’ve thought the salt dehydrating him everyday would age him faster 😯

[@ngndnd]

fr when i clicked on the video i was expecting an old man but when i saw his face i was like “why is this 20 something year old doing this”

[@outremer91]

It's the salt.

[@Reallysimiliartoagrandpa]

3 Tons in 6 weeks.... now that’s an absolutely insane amount of work that he’s doing, nothing but respect for that.

[@TheNappyneil]

And you need more then then that weight in water to get that much salt in the first place

[@bombbossgaming3408]

@@TheNappyneil

[@canofsouls282]

Am I the only one who wants to go onto one of those baskets and take a handfull of that salt stuff and eat it? Ive always been a lover of salt and choclate, guess it comes from my blood hahaha

[@cumjesus]

@@bombbossgaming3408 :buffering:

[@darthvitiate7373]

those abs bro

[@zennvirus7980]

I once had the chance to taste the salt made in the salt ponds of Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, made with virtually the same process. That bag of salt lasted us for a long time, and to this day I consider it the tastiest salt ever. A few grains, properly crushed in a molcajete (bowl-shaped mortar) would season soups, steaks and many other dishes with that extra hint of earthen flavor packed in the salt. I hope he gets his brand running and earns enough to revitalize the place. Because it would be a serious loss if the salt pools were to vanish.

[@damianhiroshi]

@Forcedtolie Aboutblacks where else does it come from?

[@psoteriou3884]

He needs a GoFundMe, some marketing, design and he's already got the back story. Best of luck!

[@mariamejia936]

from what he said, the producers were forming a brand to sell the salt internationally

[@Kevin-yw5qr]

@@mariamejia936 they said they're making a brand to drive up the price, it said nothing about selling internationally. Earlier in the video they said local laws prohibit them from selling it outside of the community.

[@deborarios8860]

Local laws prohibit selling the PROPERTY to someone outside the community. NOT the merchandise.

[@mariamejia936]

@@Kevin-yw5qr the property

[@amh9494]

@@Kevin-yw5qr that would be an awful law for the community FFS 🤣

[@ret1608]

This salt is probably bought for dirt cheap and sold in high end restaurants for a crazy amount. This people should start charging like crazy for this type of businesses

[@abrahamsanchez7455]

Then no one would buy 🧐

[@fandomshikashu]

Unfortunately how socioeconomic works, it would not be feasible for salt farmers in Mexico that don't have a financial intermediary assisting them. Similar issue occurred with cashmere producers, where the middle man banked on the product, but cattle headers were getting paid around the same as a Mexican salt farmer, before someone decide to change it for the benefit of of cattle hearders.

[@sakurauyou749]

High end restaurant uses Icelandic salt which is costly to produce

[@johnjonson2738]

@@fandomshikashu could you elaborate on cashmere sellers?

[@ret1608]

@@sakurauyou749 I was just trying to make a point. I have no clue what high end restaurants use, I’m sure there’s people making profit out of this people.

[@jojomakes]

For the people concerned about eating salt that someone’s walked on with their bare feet, your processed factory food has been through _way_ more questionable things.

[@jackeronie6490]

pretty sure he mentions a cleaning process

[@mrexists5400]

like preservatives, why would salt need preservatives? salt itself is perfectly fine preservative on it's own!

[@frankless4672]

Who's saying anything about his nasty ass feet? 🤔

[@happygardevoir]

@@frankless4672 pretty sure yours have fungus on your feet and nails. Just saying :P

[@0rnnate]

@@frankless4672 im pretty sure he mentioned about a cleaning process

[@ivan23caravantes44]

He makes just a little over $6k a year, and moves 24 tons of salt in 12 months. It should be the other way around.

[@markchinguz4401]

Why?

[@CamAteUrKFC]

Salt is cheap and everywhere...unfortunately your not going to get rich with 24 tons of salt.

[@jonahthrane812]

@@CamAteUrKFC I've seen expensive salt. I've also seen cheap salt, there is, to me at least, a clear difference.

[@arizonad8012]

@@CamAteUrKFC And most important you can last with approx. 2kg of salt the whole year.

[@Fraek]

actually you forgot to convert it to pesos so really he makes almost $300 a year.

[@anandaa6980]

I don’t know how all of these amazing cultural traditions are only being sold for such a small amount of money. They are all so intriguing and beautiful

[@Strongnurgling]

Modern world that's why

[@ABSG7]

Why isn’t this dude rich with the whole organic / no-chemical movement. Somebody help this guy!

[@idontwantcorporateretaliat6301]

the himalayans have the "organic salt" grift cornered.

[@Goosetavula]

Not enough marketing

[@user-kc4hc1mw9n]

@@idontwantcorporateretaliat6301 fun fact: that salt is only 2% of those health benefits, so its not even worth it

[@davebruneau6068]

@@user-kc4hc1mw9n Please,post where you get your facts,because when you write,"only 2% of those health benefits",in a post that lists exactly zero % " health benefits",you look like a fool

[@fsaudio4681]

@@davebruneau6068 You should try using proper punctuation. Your use of commas is just making me cringe.

[@juice1736]

Everyone if you can, Juan’s link to his business is in the description of this video, please consider helping a hard working man like him

[@CitarNosis317]

He does not have a web store or anything like that. People have asked in comments to his posts but nothing. So not sure how people could support him. :( I hope he opens a store.

[@urband10]

They link his facebook

[@Yetus]

I don’t have a Facebook so I can’t support. He should setup a web store.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

We need to get him some solar panels, a charge controller, some car batteries, an inverter, and a pump to help him more easily get the brine out of the pools.

[@stevemitchell8631]

We’re do I buy the salt

[@GIRLYGAMINGYT]

Someone should make a go fund me for him fr. He cares about his heritage and I respect that.

[@idkazniguess]

There is a go fund me in the description along with a fb page to his business

[@heey_George8904]

You can buy it on Etsy as ZapotitlanSalt

[@Crybaby-Media]

Man these stories nearly bring me to tears.

[@SnailMan63]

I’m glad he’s building a company to try and sell at a higher price. This stuff is worth more than he’s selling it for, for sure. He’s making steps in the right direction and I hope it gets better.

[@Daniel_AL]

I hope that his hardwork pay off one day

[@bombbossgaming3408]

[@knightofblood8855]

Nope. Dont want foot salt

[@thatguy7155]

@@knightofblood8855 bruh of course he cleans it

[@knightofblood8855]

@@thatguy7155 how do you sanitize salt?

[@justsomeguywithagoatee8337]

Guy should start a GoFundMe page. I'd donate. Respect for keeping a tradition from being lost to time.

[@pumpkinspiceeverything9251]

Most definitely

[@burtgundy796]

check desc

[@MrMalam1234]

You gave fraudsters some Ideas, sad how this chanel stands to make a lot of money, hopefully they compensated him

[@sidshigematsu2307]

His fb is in the video description

[@sidshigematsu2307]

I’m sure u could ask him if he has any payment apps ... or western union ... shit

[@TitiniusAndronicus]

Nothing is more fulfilling than honest work.

[@Tastykake83]

I would support this man and his business 100%

[@investinstyle-financeinves1181]

I rarely think about salt production, but it was fascinating to see how an essential part of our diet is traditionally made.

[@z3kyys]

But I'm sorry to inform you that the salt that you use everyday only have maybe 20% of effort compare to this because most of them now maked by machine

[@joselinhernandez7334]

Its traditional this one but not american table salt

[@vincea1830]

Okay these other 2 guys are kinda on the right track. Most salt is mined, like metric tons at a time. Or dried and harvested from the ocean, also on massive scale. Since artisan salt isn't _that_ unique/demanded from restaurants then they'd just prefer to buy bulk from wholesalers and make more money themselves. This is a story of the little man being out-competed by the bigger corporations that drive the price of salt down. At least we documented this thousand year tradtion so future generations know of it and may try to do it again

[@mateuslira3411]

By traditional you mean using giant machines?

[@sandraday6955]

@@z3kyys Yeah you watch something like Hercules candy on youtube then look at Sayklly's candy which is quite automated. The Hercules still hand dips a lot of the stuff.

[@overlordvelvet7301]

As a Mexican Indigenous who's Guamare, Aztec and Mayan, I wanna help to keep this tradition alive. We can't let traditions die.

[@TypeKK]

Embrace traditions

[@pomni.s_insanity]

then do something about it, don't tell us, do it

[@asahel980]

do you really believe the "keeping the tradition alive" is the reason? if he has other business that is more profitable he'll abandon it im 99% sure. use your common sense.

[@vasaries2107]

@@asahel980 Actually, yes. People of Hispanic Origin tend to have strong connections to their family and culture traditions.

[@astonishinglydee]

@@asahel980 People in general have connections to their roots, don’t pray on his down fall.

[@na00097]

As a Mexican-American, thank you SO MUCH for this video! I had no idea about this- guess what kind of salt I’m using for now on!😊🇲🇽gracias!

[@624Eduardo]

Tu que te clavas pocho?

[@yim4649]

Farmers: *steps on salt When you eat dinner: the salt has a kick to it

[@thirstiestvillager9233]

Sea salt has fish poo, as well as my pee in it, so his foot bein used to break up the big chunks means nothing.

[@mrsroseblack9310]

I like your humor lol

[@thirstiestvillager9233]

@@mrsroseblack9310 He kick the salt

[@elvagog5757]

This should have way more likes 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@saeemagd]

Bacteria & fungus hates salt bro.

[@saulfraustomtz]

I'm from Mexico and I didn't knew about this, so thank you, I'll be in Puebla soon so I'll be sure to buy some salt

[@j.bbailey6275]

Please let us know who it went

[@david714oc8]

Pueblo Mexico where my parents from

[@meep2858]

@Romeoew colonizers

[@sofianavarro8064]

@Romeo the majority of the Mexican population is mestiza, meaning we come from both indigenous and Spanish roots. You can keep looking like a fool if you want, but just know that we are right where we are meant to be.

[@josuejuarez9667]

@Romeo Why do you want people to leave México

[@ChaoticMess198]

Does anyone else see these videos and wish you can travel and help and learn to keep the traditions alive?

[@alexromero135]

You can help him in the description of the video

[@agirlhasnoname7602]

@@alexromero135 The description is only a link to a Facebook page which if you are not on Facebook you can’t access it. It doesn’t look to be anything there anyway that enables it to be purchased.

[@polite8317]

You absolutely could, but I doubt you care enough about salt and this stranger to go dedicate your life to that, and you don't need to feel bad about that.

[@NgocNguyen-sq6cw]

jimmy crackcorn idk man it will be clean anyway

[@madlyfwipp9511]

@jimmy crackcorn Just wait till' you hear how wine is made.

[@theunknownone5663]

I feel so sad for him. His hard work passion is amazing. Such high quality products should not be so under value.

[@yanse3376]

its just salt, its the same everywhere, it cant be high or low quality

[@dimashercules4664]

@@yanse3376 Go out sometimes, kid. How stupid you can be 🤣

[@starrex7032]

@@dimashercules4664 honestly, kid knows nothing about value and quality.

[@martinplayz8645]

@@dimashercules4664 Salt is salt. Cope

[@dimashercules4664]

@@martinplayz8645 If you say so, kid 🤣

[@antoniadragongirl3099]

The salt is sold extremely cheap. For all the labour he does, the artisanal craftsmanship, he should price it higher.

[@mordeth8738]

I agree, but the video literally said its illegal for him to sell it ouside his community.

[@obviousness8113]

I would pay a premium price for this salt. See how it's made and knowing that I'm supporting small producers means a lot!

[@arturasnesakysiu1684]

whats the the point you can buy it only if you are local :DD and he cant export this stuff :D

[@fijiwill2237]

Enjoy your foot salt

[@obviousness8113]

@@fijiwill2237 💀💀💀🤣🤣🤣 You ain't lying 😂

[@ricardopena8600]

@@fijiwill2237 If only you knew all the shit the FDA allows in our processed clean foods...like rate hair, piss, fecies, and insect parts. but yea, feet salt is your worry. dumbass.

[@fijiwill2237]

@@ricardopena8600 “dumbass”, amazing choice of words toe jam teeth

[@josealejandro123]

I saw a similar video in youtube. In Japan there is small community that produce the salt in a similar way. They get the water from the ocean and put it to the ground and wait until the water start drying to get the salt. The big difference is that the salt gets sold fast and is appreciate it in that country. I cannot believe we have this similar process in Mexico and that they sell the product for 10 pesos. I will make my research and buy from this guy if it is available. These are the traditions,techniques, and products that we must consume and appreciate.

[@florimond.]

75% of France's salt is made that way...

[@gizlas]

Were you already able to buy it?

[@josealejandro123]

Not yet

[@josealejandro123]

@@florimond. amazing.

[@polite8317]

Just because something is old, or it means a lot to someone, does not mean you MUST consume and appreciate it, do you know what else people were doing 2,000 years ago? Crucifictions, should we bring those back? for the culture? for the tradition? He's making salt in an inefficient way and not charging enough for how much he works, and that's his deal. I wish him the best and hope he learns his value and stops shorting himself, people will keep buying it no matter what, and if he ups the price theyll have to pay. Also if he really loves it and its just about the tradition, he'd do it for free, like a hobby.

[@Bombon_408]

What a hard working man. My respects

[@edselquisilfabre]

Massive respect to Juan.. ♥️

[@jamielc3437]

My man looks so young that salt must be like the fountain of youth wow. He only looks in his 20s

[@hnnnnnnnnnng]

You should look into the anti-aging properties of salt! It helps keep the moisture in your skin and it keeps this guy well-exfoliated 😆

[@samuellinn]

@@hnnnnnnnnnng so the salt is basically a fountain of youth? Damn

[@seanmoyer7589]

@@samuellinn he works hard every day, and his diet is likely very healthy, which keeps his health in good condition.

[@blujoker5400]

It’s because he’s only 12

[@jacobwarren7876]

I was thinking he looked young for his age

[@felipem869]

It’s always so pleasant to hear a humble man speak some good Spanish.

[@Macsk8ing]

Agreed, he sounds educated, I wonder if he has a degree in something.

[@oscarherr4198]

@@Macsk8ing in Mexico rural people speak in a very formal, very respectful way

[@eternal631]

@@Macsk8ing as the person above me stated, since they don't have as much access to the internet, they don't learn slang and incorporate foreign words into their vocabulary so their way of speaking is very refined

[@-OmegaMania-]

@@oscarherr4198 True, I live in mexico so i can relate to that

[@eternal631]

@Lucía Plaza Pérez yeah but most of the time what you hear in big cities is a mix of made up words and slang

[@howdytherestranger2139]

I would give anything to get some of this salt and use it to make pretzels. What a beautiful craft! Amazing to see this man keep it going.

[@heey_George8904]

You could buy it on Etsy as ZapotitlanSalt

[@spicychef7]

I love artisanal craftmanship and natural ingredients. Anything industrialized is monopolized and polluted and stripped of it's natural properties. I will pay for the full amount of their price for this salt and for their hard work.

[@heey_George8904]

It on Etsy as ZapotitlanSalt

[@sumatthew8742]

I feel like he could market the salt on amazon as like handmade, no preservatives, traditionally made, and people would pay a higher price for it.

[@JoseJimenez-mx8so]

If he becomes famous and successful, the damn mexican government will take over his land and he will end up poorer than what he is now.

[@supmaidoods8753]

@@JoseJimenez-mx8so is that why cartels are a thing to protect the people from the corrupt government?

[@JoseJimenez-mx8so]

@@supmaidoods8753 In a way, yes, some people on small communities have more benefits(doctor, medicine, food, schools, clothing, housing) with the cartels, on excha ge for labor and silence. This government has paid "special attention" to the poor and elderly, which are the mayority in population in order to have a captive vote, so far, it has worked for the corrupt government.

[@WhiltiernaAria]

@@JoseJimenez-mx8so 6:10 local laws prevent selling outside the community. That would be the first step.

[@anotherpolo1143]

He better say footmade because that is how he's actually making it.

[@firewaterbydesign]

His business could literally be thriving with a small business plan and a little marketing, he could end up with more business than what he would know what to do with. An ancient family business is worth saving, as it is an art form now.

[@sidshigematsu2307]

His FB is in the video description...don’t be shy send him some money

[@beretaniastreet6384]

Yeah put your money where your mouth is

[@bombbossgaming3408]

[@CSJiGSaW08]

Its natural salt with no chemicals and no cutting corners... People want this for there foods... High Prices...

[@islaa32]

Where is his fb link?

[@ThePratech]

What an amazing hardworking man. God Bless 🙏🏻

[@Cruznick06]

Being barred from selling outside of the community sets these salt producers up to fail in the long-term. How are they supposed to make enough money to survive? I could understand if it was a rule that an indigenous person must be the producer. Also I could understand rules and limits on how much is produced, or the use of heavy equipment. But to not be allowed to sell outside of the community? That isn't sustainable in our current world.

[@miguelesquivel121]

I think it was saying that they are barred from selling the salt pools like the land itself not the salt that gets made from it.

[@Automedon2]

I know. He needs to sell to the upscale market. It would go for 20 dollars a jar

[@Justice2Hearts]

Notice how dark his feet are compared to his face. Such a hard working man.

[@polite8317]

I'm not tryna just start an argument, but no I really didn't, his feet looked really pale, still a super hard worker I just didn't see what you saw

[@Justice2Hearts]

@@polite8317 I really don't feel like watching the vid again lol but in one of the shots his feet looked pretty dang dark 😂 but it's all good my dude. stay safe :)

[@ericrojo6398]

@@polite8317 they looked pale because of like the dirt and salt sticking to them

[@breadspy5974]

that's because only his feet are wet dork `-`

[@Justice2Hearts]

@@breadspy5974 oop- oh well he's still a a hard working man

[@SwarumtheForum]

i may not agree with all of business insider's views, but I can respect giving attention to old businesses

[@sirmorallyincorrect4638]

@Default 😂 Fr

[@s_d_1200]

@Default Lmaooo frfr

[@ledomc2007]

It means that he’s a liberal

[@COLMECTIGAMINGANDMORE]

@Default they post a lot of politcal stuff

[@newvision4l314]

@@COLMECTIGAMINGANDMORE like what?

[@iriemonmon]

I hope someone helps him sell it on a larger scale! Especially with the switch to natural salts, he deserves more profit for everything he's doing

[@Edge5483]

Its really fun satisfy to pave and see this much of salt..just feel lonely doing by himself..good to see this jon continues

[@GabGotti3]

If he was doing this in America it’d be labeled as organic salt, and all the suburban Lulu lemon women would pay $50 a pound for this

[@raistlinmajere7149]

Thats actually a good idea. Someone should help set up a online marketplace and get someone to ship the salt commercially. Those crazy suburban moms will make this guy a small fortune.

[@bimaakhmadi9466]

How can salt be organic...

[@gamerpanda3590]

@@bimaakhmadi9466 That’s what we are saying. White suburban women will buy this just cause of it name.

[@blah7983]

@@raistlinmajere7149 It sounds like there’s a law making that illegal for him. Which sounds incredibly dumb but they mentioned something about him only being able to sell to locals

[@markjohnson5071]

@@blah7983 Welcome to latin america, where producing wealth is illegal except for politicians' friends.

[@facelessdrone]

For everyone complaining about his feet in the salt, a. He literally mentions he cleans the salt afterwards in the video, and b. The FDA literally allows a certain number of rats and bugs in food before they deem it unhealthy, and the number isn't low either, its disgusting, this salt is more likely to be inspected than the salt you currently buy

[@tarnished9108]

No ones complaining about him stepping on the salt. Ive seen like no comments talking about his feet

[@genericalfishtycoon3853]

@@tarnished9108 I'd rather have nasty store bought salt than foot salt. I'll be honest. The color is very off-putting once you realize it's been soaking someone's dirty feet (he walks around the desert barefoot) before you eat it. Disgusting.

[@genericalfishtycoon3853]

That's preferable to foot soak salt. I'd much rather pick a rat turd out than know every single salt Crystal interactacted with this man's feet as I'm putting it on my food.

[@cupmug1669]

@@genericalfishtycoon3853 k

[@Christopheromoan]

I was personally more thinking like Damn how is this guys feet not like worn to leather curing in salt and walking on stones all day. I walk to the mailbox in the summer like I’m dancing on coals and this mofo is traipsing around in 90degree sun on bare stones stepping on salt crystals lol But yeah people who are like “Ew foot salt. Lemme stick to my ‘Clean’ McDonalds food.” make me laugh.

[@rechoice9010]

I wish I can buy his salt. His work ethic is simply amazing!

[@heey_George8904]

It's on Etsy as ZapotitlanSalt

[@SPCBRAWLERZ]

I would donate shoes to this guy! And his team! They all deserve it and much more.

[@theflannelfisherman8329]

He has become Juan with the salt

[@leechee5721]

Good one

[@jr4it06]

Jajajajajajjaniiiiice

[@mdsr640]

👍

[@vince3736]

he's the chosen juan

[@epibalboa6689]

lol

[@emmanuelstclair2560]

He needs to sell it for more money- especially tourists and restaurants

[@nonec384]

no it probaly has toxin in it as it is unrefined

[@Rmxpaola]

@@nonec384 it’s natural

[@louaibandr7570]

@@Rmxpaola Doesn't matter, palytoxin is natural but toxic. Also this salt won't be toxic in small amounts, the risks are the same regardless of the salt. But to say it's not toxic because it's natural is misinformation.

[@masteroogway3040]

@@Rmxpaola Jake Paul is natural but hella toxic

[@EvanPilb]

@@masteroogway3040 aint hella toxic just maybe a little if u like eating spoonfuls of salt

[@dcastro8629]

Much respect to this man right here! Great the see such hard work and determination!

[@Bettinasisrg]

I love so many things about Mexico but especially the people. From the 1960s on I've spent many summers camping on the beaches and in the rural villages. I have been since the mid 1990s but will go again. Thank you Mexico and my oldest daughter is now fluent (reading, writing and speaking) and I'm so proud!

[@stefcervantes]

My school takes me on a 10 day trip around most of the southern part of Mexico at the end of the semester and 2 years or so ago we went to Zapotitlán Salinas. It’s fantastic to see how the salt is made and the finished product, there’s a wide range of colors and they even sell it with aromatics and condiments, the whole town is mostly dedicated towards the production of salt and quartz, so you’ll find some lovely hand-made pieces of decor, art etc.

[@heey_George8904]

The salt is on Etsy now as ZapotitlanSalt

[@Brian-yw7yd]

The right branding and marketing, Juan could be wealthier than he ever imagined. I believe he will do good things. I hope the best for him.

[@charlesor1023]

I belive they said they can not sell to oursiders 😅

[@ZENSIBLE]

@@charlesor1023 That's The Government for you. Always finding a way to screw us up.

[@jaaeeleyva3254]

I hope god delivers his blessing soon and his work gets the recognition and pay off it deserves

[@MamaWithAFro]

This warms and breaks my heart at the same time. I feel like there's a way to sell this online for a higher price...

[@heey_George8904]

It's available on Etsy as ZapotitlanSalt

[@N.06]

hes so dedicated, its so nice to see. i hope they can make a living for themselves and keep the tradition alive

[@DyslexicMitochondria]

Their hardwork is totally commendable

[@danielretardo7075]

@@DyslexicMitochondria Hey man I watch your channel. Love your videos

[@juice1736]

His link is in the description

[@kurehaashiya30]

I hope that Juan's dream will come true. We need more access to organic food, spices and seasonings.

[@NotSoSerious69420]

OrGAnIC SaLt. Yeah pay more for salt that probably doesn’t actually taste much different and definitely isn’t more healthy for you.

[@DianaEstrada_]

@@NotSoSerious69420 It is healthier since it has all of the minerals, no chemicals and preservatives. But each to its own :)

[@deadlata9767]

@@DianaEstrada_ why would a preservative like salt need a preservative. People love made up bullshit terms like organic.

[@youngturkey203]

@@NotSoSerious69420 buying salt from small mexican farmers is a better choice since they are of higher quality and the profits actually go to people who need the money.

[@NotSoSerious69420]

@@youngturkey203 didn’t argue that point. That’s absolutely true, but salt isn’t anymore healthy for you based on mineral content unless that’s your only source of specific minerals which probably wouldn’t even help you that much.

[@bryantoolsee]

I wish I had the money to bless this man. Very passionate and true to your roots brother.

[@mkt1037]

I think he should look into selling his salt online. His profit would almost double, especially since people would buy a jar he sells so 15 Pesos for $6. Not to mention the fact it’s organic with no chemicals.

[@Diviance]

...salt is literally made of sodium chloride. A chemical. All salt is made of sodium chloride (some have trace minerals or iodine added for health reasons). There is literally nothing you can eat that isn't "chemicals". All organic and non-organic matter are chemicals.

[@rickvanerve3011]

and forget about the laws that prevents him from selling outside of the community?

[@mkt1037]

@@Diviance I think we all know that. I should’ve worded it as “harsh” chemicals.

[@thekaiseroftheeast3895]

@@mkt1037 But salt is a harsh chemical...

[@tazman540]

Geez 41 years old I would’ve thought he was 20! Edit:Wow guys thanks so much for all the likes, I’ve never gotten so many before!! !HAVE A GOOD DAY!

[@evelynfarfellwooosh1219]

Yeah, you can see the difference between the expose and hidden parts of his body.

[@tazman540]

@@evelynfarfellwooosh1219 yea

[@FMHammyJ]

He looks much younger than 41 for sure! Indigenous people don't age as much with the sun, it seems.....plus the clothing and hat helps protect....and the hard work keeps him fit.....

[@michaelangeloudarbe8480]

Got to support this kind of artisinal hardworkers. Salute to keeping this tradition and culture alive.

[@SalvadorSTMZ]

Could be the salt. It's good for your skin.

[@KaylanaXiong]

All that labor and this man doesn't even make much. Not only that, he's keeping his family tradition alive! He deserves millions! 👏

[@Cahrssomething]

This should DEFINITELY be a luxury, his work is under appreciated

[@graciegato6135]

I would totally buy from this guy to support this! ❤

[@tejas8719]

Considering how much craze is around rock salt and pink salt in the West, this guy could be a millionaire if he targets all the YT and IG health gurus

[@D0nnyy]

He doesn't have the same opportunity Americans have

[@asparadog]

@@D0nnyy he is American...

[@herranton]

@@asparadog American in the _internationally recognized_ way of describing the nationality of a citizen of The United States of America while speaking english. It doesn't matter if you agree or not. It is the word that is used. You could call an airplane a refrigerator, but it doesn't make it a refrigerator. Words have meanings _and the word _*_American_*_ means "citizen of the USA"_ Gfy

[@Johnnjlee]

It was stated that he isn’t allowed to sell outside his community due to legal reasons unfortunately

[@herranton]

@@Johnnjlee it was also stated that he sells to tourists. Nothing stopping a "tourist" from buying 50 baskets of salt. Except the fda. Edit: autocorrect sells...

[@sk8erboy551]

I would pay 10x more than what he's offering.

[@jackofalltrades5904]

You mean then what he's asking.. yes I would too

[@yournotdwn6303]

@@jackofalltrades5904 that’s for correcting his grammar. I had no clue what he was talking about

[@jasonsimms4238]

why?

[@emilylent8846]

That would still be only $5 I’d pay 40x and even then only 20 bucks it is dirt cheap

[@semi-skimmedmilk4480]

He charges that price because it suits the local economy. If he was living in a wealthier country/area he'd probably be selling it for more than you would want to offer.

[@crystalll.e]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!

[@33sti]

These videos are really great because they show the histories of the people and reality of the world. It's inspiring.

[@LM01234]

I know there's some people out here in the comments and watching this video who truly understand how amazing this is. I mean truly wonderfully amazing

[@raizaintilian]

With people looking for more vegan, natural, and healthy options I think this will bring a huge comeback

[@viktoraggerholm5102]

how is this salt anymore vegan, natural or healthy than other salt lmao

[@channyt8818]

It’s more organic and not process like traditional mass produced salt. Vegans, especially the “woke” ones in LA, will eat this shit up.

[@viktoraggerholm5102]

@@channyt8818 how is it more organic?

[@channyt8818]

@@viktoraggerholm5102 As in, “not touched by factories”, type of organic. Like a mom and pop’s product, instead of a giant corporation.

[@viktoraggerholm5102]

@@channyt8818 that’s not what decides if a product is organic or not

[@asianjim1898]

Pay or not I would love to come work with this guy, this seems like such a relaxing thing to do.

[@heey_George8904]

Etsy is selling he's salt the name of the store is ZapotitlanSalt

[@lukenikoteen2019]

He has been keeping a bridge running for a long time even for some peeps to realize it butT salt is a priority!! He's a savior to sum..... Good going man good going 💯🎈🎉

[@Uaarkson]

Mexico just has to be one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.

[@santonio2615]

It is !!! And it is so rich in culture and traditions.

[@jango7889]

if mexico is so beautiful why do they keep jumping the border

[@santonio2615]

@@jango7889 If you have a brain, why do you post irrational questions ?

[@jango7889]

@@santonio2615 that didnt answer the question

[@dandeleon2764]

I mentioned in another comment, that other countries subsidize many of these traditional food and textile businesses, as a way of not only preserving their culture, but also creating intrigue into said products. Expensive cheeses, otherwise unsustainable, as they're too labour intensive, are subsidized by their government to attract tourism, and to create interest in the culture.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

He should film ASMR, the scrapping sound is oddly satisfying

[@ok-ff1wf]

And when he is stepping on it

[@Justice2Hearts]

Right! That’s so clever! And sells salt online :) natural traditional salt.

[@kimbaldun]

My boy can't even afford wifi

[@crimson5142]

@@kimbaldun if he selks 10 salt bags he should be able to buy a wifi conections sice some wifi provider sell the service at 100 peso(around five dollars) wich can be pocket money

[@cornbeef]

I was watching this thinking he needs to brand it and get a website going, then they mentioned the others getting together to form a brand. I believe with a good website and them pooling together they could become excellent artisan salt sellers that restaraunts around the world would want!

[@ashleyteo1154]

Good luck. I hope your able to continue with your passion and love for the salt craft.

[@diegocorrea1059]

Un campesino HUMILDE, EDUCADO, TRABAJADOR, Y DE CULTURA me trae mucho gusto al ser Mexicano y tener gente como esta en mi país

[@danielmoreno2969]

Y aún así me enoja que no podamos ayudarlos, simplemente la economía en México no funciona así. A mí me da más tristeza de ser mexicano que las personas trabajadoras y humildes son las que salen perdiendo.

[@theprimest]

Who else loves watching these kind of videos?

[@senseiwilking_dc]

Me me

[@dertythegrower]

You only typed that to get attention and clicks... ebeggar downvote

[@pranalisarpotdar8203]

I saw you on Alux too lol

[@vali4487]

Amazing ❤️🥺 I admire his dedication, i could never do it...

[@nicolasbartel71]

Well we still do this where I live in France ! Nice to keep traditions alive !

[@EMBEEAY]

Dang he has amazing genes! 41 and still looks like he’s in his 20s-30s.

[@Cleiri]

I hope a store picks up his product. People love organic! It’s amazing that this salt comes from water deposits that have been there forever.

[@MrShitthead]

6:05 “local and indigenous laws prevent them from selling to anyone outside the community” Wait, wtf, so these guys have this crazy organic salt that could sell for easily $10 US a bag to hipsters all across the continent but local laws want to keep these guys broke? SMH

[@philipvargas478]

no the laws say they cant sell the land, they can sell the salt to whoever they want

[@TheChemisch]

@@philipvargas478 I'm glad you said that, the way she worded it was hard for those of us with short attention spans lol.

[@heey_George8904]

He's selling now on Etsy

[@heey_George8904]

As ZapotitlanSalt

[@loribach534]

That's what I call dedication! He must train others or it will become another lost art! Keep your dream alive Juan as it will come to fruition!

[@HolyReality891]

That man is as much a part of that land as the trees. It’s just beautiful. You’d think some high end restaurants might pay primo for this. I wish him luck

[@diegopalma5817]

I legit just found out my 2nd last name origin thanks to this video and I’m from Mexican descent, my mom always used to tell me my great great great great grandfather used to work harvesting salt, very interesting to finally see how it was done... I never could have guessed it was like this. And it is very sad to hear that these ancient Mexican traditions are going away. Idk I’m just blown away that the origin of my last name is disappearing

[@nelpe9703]

If you could connect to him, I think, these comments, the ideas& possibilities could help him a lot😃🏆💎👍💖🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@alid4789]

This is amazing! What a beautiful place

[@johannacalderon1493]

Someone please help this man make a website, this should definitely cost more than 50 cents a kilo

[@atsilleps]

Why should it? Because he uses ineffective old methods?

[@heey_George8904]

Is not on Etsy as ZapotitlanSalt

[@yoopermann7942]

we need more people like this in the world today! now we need to figure out how to help him!

[@darthtyranus7447]

You can buy his product.

[@stanikzai1419]

Or start a go fund me

[@yonathanrakau1783]

Nah not everyone interested with that i prefer industries as its far cheaper

[@avijitkabiraj2187]

Read comedy of coffin on kindle written by Avijit Kabiraj. Introduction : Two unemployed boys were employed by a mafia boss, their job is to bury a dead chef in the criminal's cemetery. The chef is the pasta maker whom the boss accidentally shot dead. The boys were chased by the police, shot by a sniper, rested in a church, kidnapped by an evil doctor, electrocuted, freezed, roasted, couple of ladies didn't spare them, survived the strange graveyard but when they returned after burying the dead chef, found the boss in a coffin. Email: [e-mail]. Interested wanna free copy send me your email address.

[@munk3064]

Industrial is better and faster

[@letssmile3564]

I'm from Indonesia and I often see traditional salt making like this when I travel with car. Actually I never see the industrialized one. Maybe because the traditional one is straight aside from the main road so I can see it easily lol. But we harvest it straight up from the sea as it's so near the houses. Easy to access to the sea. God bless this man and his bussiness too 💖 Btw I didn't know this method is so old, I'm happy to be able to see this method in real life many times in my life.

[@Humblebuiltinc]

GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE THAT CONTINUE CULTURES

[@tootiepac5210]

God please bless their work. U promised to bless the work of our hands n this guy uses his feet as well. This is a special and sacred work. God Bless Juan and all the salt of this earth

[@fred5149]

Respect the love he has for his dad and what he taught and left behind ..I love my culture!!..pray God enhances your salt farm and keeps it rich

[@leroyjwah1975]

I respect this man's passion to keep this family heritage alive. Would be cool to purchase and try his product

[@flutterandwink8337]

So you wanna try his toe salt after hes walked all around the desert bare foot then he stands all over the salt

[@leroyjwah1975]

@@flutterandwink8337 I bet you'd drink wine from Europe where a old granny been stepping on them 🍇 tho.

[@flutterandwink8337]

@@leroyjwah1975 no I most definitely would not?

[@leroyjwah1975]

@@flutterandwink8337 yikes

[@EulogizingSleep]

@@flutterandwink8337 you should see how your organic veggies and fruits are treated before they’re packaged 😂

[@sweetdreamer637]

He’s a hardworking and optimistic person. Hopefully prices can be raised due to labor and salt being organic. Some of my husbands relatives live here in Zapotitlan 🌵🌵🌵 Their caves have onyx and are being mined by locals. Highly recommend visiting Restaurant Ámbar, they have traditional plates and local delicacies like insects and water from a tiny tiny fruit grown on cactus. There’s also pan artesanal (woodfire sweet bread). This land has diverse natural resources.

[@amberk7579]

That's so awesome... I hope they are able to stay in business..I wish they were able to sell to anyone

[@VOID_DEATH]

*Jesus Christ, That's so much work for such a small profit. If this was done in America this guy would be driving around a Ferrari by now. I hope all of his hard work pays off one day for him!.*

[@Clayton178]

Most jobs with this kind of work people get taken advantage of or they quit because of the pay. IF he was working for someone, but if it's self owned business they will try to find anything excuse in the book for their ways.

[@tabasco471]

It would only make a difference if the salt was worth anything if it’s worthless it doesn’t matter where he does it he won’t make any money

[@zyanidwarfare5634]

Only place he’d make good money off this is Cali, market it as organic xD

[@xEriklink]

It was done in America tho

[@Loosesapphire5135]

He has far less expenses where he lives and his product is free for him, he only needs to harvest it. That's a wealthy man right there, and he knows it. Money isn't everything, though salt is essential for life, as well owning land is the most valuable thing a man can have.

[@juanmanuelpenaloza9264]

They say Mexicans don't get salty, but they haven't met Juan...

[@jamesmedina6015]

Salty comment

[@DracoEX]

@@jamesmedina6015 salty generation

[@ordinaryfellow9093]

@@DracoEX salty tradition

[@6sua]

@@gf7688 salty joke

[@Friendlyneighborhoodgarbagebin]

@@6sua salty chain

[@zzulm]

Awesome video thank you

[@jezber6568]

You can still find these traditional ways of making salt in the Philippines, my grandmother owns her own salt making farm, similar to this one