Olivier EcoVillage’s Salted Herbs: Superstar seasoning in the making

by: Vic Thor Palarca, ATI-Caraga

Butuan City- Remember mistaking salt for sugar as a kid? To differentiate the same crystalline white, I would pinch a granule, pop it in my mouth, and instantly know salty grit from sweet dissolve. That simple household mineral, often overlooked in our kitchen packs historical and spiritual punch since the Bible mentions it, ancient traders value it over gold, and folklore belief says it can ward off evil spirits, lower-level demons, and even our very own “engkantos”.

Fans of the tv series Supernatural know Dean and Sam Winchester’s salt lines trap malevolent ghosts, rooted in the belief that the earth’s pure salt (with its potent power and mystical property) repels otherworldly foes. In Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City, farmer and agripreneur Oliver Q. Terante elevates simple salt from protector to superstar seasoning.

More than just seasoning everyday food to taste, Oliver elevates this humble household mineral into an extraordinary condiment. He meticulously blends rock salt with sun-dried and homegrown herbs including spearmint, English mint, choco mint, peppermint, tarragon, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and rosemary powder yielding 10 to 12 distinct salt blends in a 250-gram jar. Production varies in herb availability and dryness, making salt hues from pinkish, brown, or light brown.

“When we test market our Salted Herbs, it was a bit surprising that a good number of well-meaning friends and customers accepted it. Especially those who appreciate healthy and herb-based dry marinate for their meat fry and grill. We packed it in a very sophisticated glass jar that costs 1/3 of our total cost. And it was only 150 grams and priced at 150 pesos. We have no problem with it because it sells. Then we ran out of glass jars and there were pending orders. And there is no source in Butuan for that particular type of glass jar!”, said Oliver, surprised about the popularity of his latest farm commodity.

“Wala ko mag-expect nga naay maka-appreciate ani nga product. It’s just an ordinary rock salt made extra ordinary with dried organic herbs and other spices. Ang suki ani karon is a popular cafe in Butuan that discovered using our Salted Herbs made their existing dish even more delicious. Because of that, I’m now compelled to make it especially for them (I did not expect that anyone would appreciate this product. It’s just an ordinary rock salt made extraordinary with dried organic herbs and other spices. Our regular customer for this at the moment is a popular café in Butuan City that discovered using our Salted Herbs made their existing dish even more delicious. Because of that, I’m now compelled to make it especially for them) Oliver explained further.

So, what makes his salted herbs special? Smart farming and a little bit of innovation.

Oliver’s innovative Dehydration House (DH) supports smart farming by preserving his farm’s abundant harvests. This sunlight-powered structure eliminates the need for electricity while ensuring hygiene and shielding crops from rain, dust, and insects. Inside, it maintains temperatures up to five times the ambient farm levels, locking in freshness and boosting yields efficiently. Such protection prevents spoilage from moisture, ensuring quality dried herbs for the salt blends and other products available at their restaurant. Thanks also to the support of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Caraga, the provided hammer mill machine was instrumental in pulverizing the dry ingredients of his bestselling seasoning.

“Season to taste only. Just a pinch is enough because it is highly concentrated. Level up na jud ta kung mag-dry marinate ta sa atong mga grilled meats. Don’t just salt it. Salted Herbs it! (Season to taste only. Just a pinch is enough because it is highly concentrated. We should be really leveling up now if we use dry marinade on our grilled meats. Don’t just salt it. Salted herbs it!) Oliver pointed out as he advises restraint to first time users for his salted herb’s potency.

As he recommends forgoing ordinary salt in favor of his superior kitchen creation, his salted herbs are ideal for marinating pork, chicken, fish, or enhancing fried meats, grilled dishes, stir-fried vegetables, and egg-based dishes since it offers a nutritious, savory, and aromatic alternative to conventional seasonings.

Olivier EcoVillage and Organic Restaurant is always at the forefront of delicious, sustainable, climate resilient and affordable eating. Inquire or reserve at 0927-065-6757, or message their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OLIVIER.BTN1B