A method of making a dry brining instrument includes inspecting a halite for use as a dry brining instrument to identify a defect in the halite, shaping the halite to a desired shape to form the dry brining instrument, wherein the desired shape is determined based on a food item in which the dry brining instrument will be at least partially inserted, polishing an exterior portion of the dry brining instrument, and heat treating the dry brining instrument according to a predetermined heating schedule, to strengthen the integrity of the dry brining instrument to temperature cycling through repeated use.
