Fleur de Sel, Flower of Salt, Flor de Sal
Fleur de Sel is a unique and luxurious sea salt that is not only prized for its delicate flavor and flaky texture but also for its impressive nutritional profile. It contains a wide variety of nutrients and mineral salts, comprising an astonishing 84 trace elements. These essential minerals include iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, calcium, potassium, copper, and fluoride, each offering distinct health benefits that contribute to overall well-being.
What is the difference from regular Celtic Sea Salt?
Fleur de sel can be collected only when it is very sunny, dry, and with slow, steady winds. 3 Because of its formation, fleur de sel is produced in small quantities. At Guérande, France, each salt marsh makes only about one kilo (2.2 pounds) per day. [4] Because of this and the labor-intensive hand harvested, fleur de sel is the most expensive salt. It's composed of beautiful, delicate crystals. A pool of fresh seawater waits for these delicate crystals to form—a single thin film of salt forms in the water. The water must be heated to 37 degrees for this to happen. The crystals are hand harvested from the surface of the water at the right moment. Only up to 5% of the salt harvest becomes fleur de sel. It is pure and unrefined.
Celtic Salt,
Salt is collected from shallow ponds; artificial basins specifically engineered to extract salt from seawater, through the process of natural evaporation. Over time, these crystals grow larger and become ready for harvest. Once the evaporation process reaches its peak and the salt has crystallized, skilled workers carefully rake the salt from the bottom of the ponds.
Fleur de sel is hand-harvested from seawater, but unlike regular sea salt, it comes from the delicate surface layer of salt marshes. They comprise natural minerals providing total nutritional value.
Comparison between Celtic Salt and Fleur de Sel.
1. Source and Harvesting Method
- Celtic Sea Salt: This salt is typically harvested from the coastal regions of Brittany, France. It is collected from shallow salt flats using traditional methods. The salt is allowed to evaporate naturally, and the resulting product is often grey in color due to the presence of clay and minerals from the salt flats.
- Fleur de Sel: Fleur de Sel, which translates to "flower of salt," is also harvested from the same regions but is specifically obtained as the delicate, thin crust that forms on the surface of salt evaporation ponds during favorable weather conditions. It is collected by hand, making the harvesting process labor-intensive and yielding a much smaller quantity.
2. Texture and Appearance
- Celtic Sea Salt: This salt has a coarse texture and is often grey or off-white due to the minerals present. It can come in various grain sizes, from coarse to fine.
- Fleur de Sel: Fleur de Sel has a light, flaky, and delicate texture, resembling tiny crystals or flakes. It is usually white or slightly grey and has a more irregular shape compared to Celtic sea salt.
3. Flavor Profile
- Celtic Sea Salt: It has a robust flavor due to its mineral content, which can vary depending on the specific harvesting site. The saltiness is balanced with a hint of earthiness.
- Fleur de Sel: Fleur de Sel has a more delicate and nuanced flavor. It is often described as having a subtle sweetness and is typically used as a finishing salt rather than in cooking, as it enhances dishes without overwhelming them.
4. Mineral Content
- Celtic Sea Salt: Generally contains around 80 to 90 trace minerals, which contribute to its distinctive flavor and color.
- Fleur de Sel: Also contains trace minerals, but the exact composition can differ. It may have a slightly higher concentration of certain minerals, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
5. Culinary Uses
- Celtic Sea Salt: Suitable for cooking and seasoning a variety of dishes. It can be used in brines, as a seasoning for meats, or as a general cooking salt.
- Fleur de Sel: Primarily used as a finishing salt to sprinkle on dishes right before serving. Its delicate texture and flavor make it ideal for enhancing the taste of salads, grilled vegetables, meats, and desserts.
Conclusion
In summary, while both Celtic sea salt and Fleur de Sel originate from the same region and share a commitment to traditional harvesting methods, their differences in texture, flavor, and culinary uses make each unique and suited for different applications in the kitchen.
Regular Sea Salt is left to dry at the side of the ocean and then packaged.
What is fleur de Sel used for?
Fleur de sel has a residual moisture content of up to 10%, which means that it melts slower when sprinkled on dishes. You can leave it in a container without a lid, and it won't dry out. Fleur de Sel is appreciated as much for its complex mineral flavors as for its crunchy texture. It is a table salt and it can be combined with herbs.
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function, while copper is involved in energy production, the formation of connective tissue, and iron metabolism. Fluoride, often associated with dental health, aids in the prevention of tooth decay and supports the maintenance of strong enamel.
In addition to its rich array of trace elements, Fleur de Sel boasts a higher level of sodium chloride compared to many other types of salt. This means that it not only enhances the flavor of dishes with its unique taste profile but also provides a more complex mineral-rich seasoning experience, making it an exceptional choice for those who appreciate both culinary quality and nutritional benefits. Incorporating Fleur de Sel into your cooking can elevate your meals while contributing beneficial nutrients to your diet, making every bite not only delicious but also nourishing.
Like the following;
French Blend,
Italian Blend
Curry Blend.
Our Fleur de Sel comes from Colima Mexico. Fleur de Sel began to be produced in Colima, Mexico, in the early 21st century. This production was part of a broader interest in sea salts and their culinary applications, as well as the revival of traditional salt-harvesting techniques. While the specific timeline may not be widely documented, many artisanal salt producers started to emerge around the early 2000s, taking advantage of the region's natural resources and favorable climate for salt evaporation.
Colima, located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, benefits from climatic conditions that are conducive to the production of high-quality sea salt, similar to those found in well-known regions like Brittany, France. The initiative to produce Fleur de Sel in this area aligns with global trends towards sourcing gourmet and artisanal products, appealing to chefs and consumers who appreciate unique flavors and textures in their culinary experiences. Since then, Fleur de Sel from Coloma has gained recognition for its quality and distinctive characteristics.