How Aveiro salt is harvested

During winter, the saltworks are subject to the action of rain and wind, which drag earth and other materials to the surface of the water.

As salt water at this stage has low salinity, weeds and moliço grow in the various compartments of the walls and canals. The threshing floors also become dirty and uneven. In early spring (between February and April), as soon as the rains end, the harvesting ofAveiro begins and only ends when the rains return.

The Aveiro salt harvesting process is divided into three phases

Preparatory work

Preparatory work aims to prepare the salt solution for salt production. This includes all the work involved in cleaning and rebuilding the navy, as well as healing the soil. The cleaning and rebuilding of the navy, in turn, involves a number of tasks.

Production

Visit salt production consists of a series of crystallization operations, involving successive evaporation, until the salt is harvested. It takes place from late June to late September/October, weather conditions permitting.

Salt harvesting and preservation

The salting and preservation phase is carried out at the end of the harvest. It includes the following tasks:

• Gather the piles of salt;
• cover the piles with plastic tarpaulins and netting - traditionally with bajunça or mud-plated rushes in the shape of crow's feet.