Photo of salinas around 1970
Thirty years ago this was a backward agricultural community with little impetus for growth. A dying salt mine was all there was and production was waining. An Italian came and noted the similarity to the Alps. He suggested a project to diversify the economy by creating an industry to which many could contribute: cheese. Creating a community foundation, not only cheese
has been developed, but chocolate,
sausage, soccer balls,
wool and weaving. The Salinerito brand name has been established in Ecuador and internationally. They produce european style cheeses and export 80% of their chocolate to Japan, 80% of weaving products are exported.
Potatoes
The successful cheese factory
Cheese wheels being pressed with weights
Products and raw materials can be delivered may ways
View from the cross of the plaza and the old salt mine and the valley below. This is about 11,500 ft and my head was pounding to climb this little hill. Later I had pizza at the local Italian place (using all local ingredients of course) and was administered coca tea to help the altitude headache. It did help! I had an exciting discussion with two local leaders about creating a brewery to add to the Salinerito product line. Could barley be grown here? Hops? Ecuadorian beer sucks, but a taste needs to be developed for good beer. There are certainly pockets of interest, where expats and tourists congregate. Tomorrow I am up and out of here to make a long trek to Cuenca, #1 retiree spot in the world. Salinas has potential. Very beautiful, peaceful and interesting spot.
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