Sea Salt Flower – The Essence of the Ocean and Things You Might Not Know

Sea salt flower is a special, pure, and precious type of salt formed from the thin layer of foam on the surface of salt fields as seawater evaporates under the sun. Unlike regular salt, sea salt flower has a soft, fine crystal structure, is lighter, and dissolves faster during cooking. Not only is it widely used in high-end cuisine, but sea salt flower also provides health benefits thanks to its high mineral content and natural properties.

What is Sea Salt Flower?

Sea salt flower (known as “fleur de sel” in French) is a premium type of salt harvested from coastal salt fields. It’s not the regular salt commonly seen in daily life, but rather the first crystallized layer of salt that forms as seawater evaporates. Sea salt flower has a natural white color, forms in thin, light layers, and contains a high concentration of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and various trace elements.

The biggest difference between sea salt flower and regular salt lies in its harvesting method. Sea salt flower is hand-harvested, usually in the early afternoon when the first crystals begin to appear on the water’s surface. This harvesting process requires meticulous care and skill from the salt workers, making the product more valuable and high-end compared to regular granular salt.

Photo: Sea salt flower made in Sa Huynh – Viet Nam      

Distinctive Features of Sea Salt Flower

• Pure and natural: Sea salt flower is harvested directly from the top layer of salt foam, without contact with the salt field’s bottom, preserving its purity and rich mineral content.
• Unique crystal structure: The crystals of sea salt flower are soft, light, and dissolve easily, unlike other salts that can be hard or clumpy. This makes it blend smoothly into food, enhancing the flavor in a subtle yet rich way.
• Unique flavor: In addition to its characteristic salty taste, sea salt flower has a delicate flavor that blends a light saltiness with a hint of sweetness, offering a pleasant sensation when eaten.

Uses of Sea Salt Flower in Cuisine

Sa Huỳnh sea salt flower is not only used as a premium seasoning in cuisine but is also a key ingredient in many sophisticated dishes. Renowned chefs around the world favor sea salt flower due to its easy-to-dissolve nature and its natural light sweetness. Below are some common culinary uses of sea salt flower:

• Enhancing dishes: Sea salt flower is often sprinkled over finished dishes, such as grilled meats, salmon, or salads, to add a distinctive flavor. With its fine and light crystal structure, sea salt flower subtly increases the saltiness without making the dish overly salty.
• Used in baking: In baking, sea salt flower is often used to balance the sweetness of ingredients like chocolate, caramel, or butter. Sprinkling sea salt flower on top of pastries allows diners to experience a harmonious blend of light saltiness and gentle sweetness.
• Served with seafood: Sea salt flower is especially suitable for pairing with seafood dishes such as oysters, lobster, and fish. Just a pinch of sea salt flower can highlight the natural flavor of the seafood without diminishing its freshness.

Photo: Sea salt flower in Cuisine

Health Benefits of Sea Salt Flower

Beyond its culinary uses, sea salt flower offers many health benefits due to its rich mineral content. This type of salt contains many trace elements such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron, all essential for the body.

• Provides essential minerals: Sea salt flower helps replenish essential minerals that the body needs to maintain daily functions. Magnesium and calcium in sea salt flower support strong bones and enhance nerve function.
• Aids digestion: Incorporating sea salt flower into daily meals can help stimulate digestive enzymes, improving stomach function and digestion.
• Boosts the immune system: With its high mineral content, sea salt flower also helps strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting off environmental pathogens

Photo: Sea Salt Flower and Its Health Benefits      

How to Choose Quality Sea Salt Flower?

Today, sea salt flower is produced in various coastal regions around the world. However, to ensure quality, you should choose sea salt flower from reputable brands or from regions known for producing clean salt, such as France, Vietnam, or certain areas of the Mediterranean.

• Color: High-quality sea salt flower typically has a bright white color, free from impurities or yellowing.
• Flavor: When tasted, sea salt flower will have a light saltiness, a hint of sweetness, and will easily melt in the mouth.
• Packaging: Look for sea salt flower products that are carefully packaged with sealed packaging to avoid moisture.

Conclusion

Sea salt flower is not only a premium seasoning in culinary arts but also a wonderful natural source of minerals for health. With its delicate texture and unique flavor, sea salt flower has won over even the most discerning of food connoisseurs. Try incorporating sea salt flower into your dishes to experience the difference of the natural and pure taste of the ocean.