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Our Story
An Appalachian Family Tradition of Salt, Seven Generations in the Making
In a world consumed with bigger, faster, cheaper, J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works goes against the grain, making small batch, artisanal salt, produced over a length of time determined by the whims of the West Virginia sun. And, it's not about the money- it's about honoring a family tradition spanning some seven generations and bringing an unparalleled product to the culinary world. Nancy Bruns and Lewis Payne reintroduced their family’s business in 2013, and restored the salt making traditions of the Kanawha Valley.
Salt, in West Virginia?
That's right. This salt is gleaned from an ancient ocean trapped below the Appalachian Mountains of the Kanawha Valley in West Virginia. It's dried slowly, with the help of the sun and the gentle mountain breezes rolling through the valley. The result is a gorgeous crystal that's all natural, mineral rich, contains a lower sodium content than most salts on the market, and makes just about everything taste better!
The Mercantile
Having met so many wonderful artisans through the family business, in 2019 J.Q. Dickinson began curating handmade artisanal goods from makers and creators throughout Appalachia. In 2021, through a partnership with chef and "kitchenpreneur" Joe Woods, J.Q. Dickinson has formed a brick & mortar store and café, where we feature all of these wonderful curated products, as well as an Appalachian inspired café.