The flower of salts

Fleur de Sel literally translates as Flower of Salt and is hand harvested  sea salt.  The name 'Fleur' arose because the salt has a slight scent of violets as it dries.

 Traditional harvesting, time and labor consuming

Workers (known as Paludiers) collect or scrape only the top layer before it sinks to the bottom of the larger salt pans. Tradtionally, Fleur de Sel is harvested by hand in Guérande off the coast of Brittany.  It is slightly gray because of the presence of minerals collected in the harvesting process.   Other countries today produce Fleur de Sel, known for example in Portugal as 'Flor do Sal' (Portuguese Fleur de Sel is white). 

Authentic French Imported Fleur de Sel

Other well known Fleur de Sel comes from Camargue, in the South of France.    Fleur de Sel from the Ile de Re, also off the Atlantic coast in France, is another well known salt, and also snowy white, like Portuguese Flor do Sal.

Fleur de Sel is not inexpensive, but it is sought after by chefs throughout the world for its taste and consistency.  The naturaly rich flavor enhances grilled meats, fish and vegetables.  Sprinkle lightly as a finishing touch on salads or appetizers.  Many companies are now producing Fleur de Sel with added flavorings, herbs and spices.

While any sea salt is tastier than regular supermarket salt, it's the particular type, region and maker that will distinguish the truly fine and outstanding salts.  Each region will produce a salt with a unique taste or texture as well as color.  Some examples include Himalayan Pink salts, Madagascar Diamond Salts, Hawaiian Red and Black salts.   Fleur de Sel is but one of the wonderful gourmet salts appearing at a table near you!

A great assortment of Fleur de Sel and other fine gourmet salts