Salt Flower: How to use this sophisticated spice

Have you ever heard of the salt flower, a much appreciated spice, especially by chefs?

Is it a set of salt crystals that forms on the surface of the water in the saline after favorable weather conditions have been combined? Intense sunshine, dry weather and constant winds.

Andréia Betti da Silva, nutritionist at the Dr. Family Clinic, explains that the production of the salt flower is a handmade process, originated in France. "It consists in removing the most superficial layer of these crystals, without any contact with the bottom of the precipitation," he says.


Large-scale salt flower manufacturing, as Andréia points out, began in Europe, mainly in France, Guérande, and Portugal, in the Algarve. In Brazil, production is recent, started in 2008. Large companies located mostly in Rio Grande do Norte display the product in the market.

What are the benefits of this type of salt?

Also called? Sea Salt Caviar? or "Pure Salt", the crystals do not undergo any further process or refinement. Thus, they maintain a high concentration of minerals and trace elements such as zinc, iron, magnesium, fluorine, potassium, copper, iodine, copper and, clearly, sodium. In addition, because it does not undergo these chemical procedures, is a product free of additives or any components that may be harmful to health ?, explains Andréia.

Read also: 14 tips for changing your cooking habits and preparing healthier meals


The differences between salt flower and other types of salts

Andréia points out that salts can be classified according to their composition and processing (common, refined and marine) and grain characteristics (coarse, sieved, crushed and ground).

Common Salt X Salt Flower: It is extracted after precipitation of salt and evaporation of water. It then goes through a series of processes, such as refinement, impurities removal and the addition of iodine (mandatory by ANVISA). Because of its finer texture, this type is easy to measure and mix evenly with preparations. Already the salt flower, as emphasizes the nutritionist, is a salt in the form of crystals, which is not processed, with a higher concentration of minerals, which some experts say leave it with a unique and natural flavor. "It has a more expensive production process than table salt, and for every kilogram of salt flower, 80 kg of table salt is produced," adds Andréia.

Pink Salt X Salt Flower: The main difference between these salts, besides the extraction mode, is the concentration of minerals and other substances. • Pink salt has a combination of calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron or iron oxide, which gives the pink color to the crystals. These are taken from salines with millennial deposits,? Watered? by the sea. On the other hand, the salt flower, having production in different places, presents a different concentration of minerals in each one of them ?, emphasizes Andréia.


Salt Flower X Sea Salt: Andréia explains that in this case there is no difference. ? The denomination? Sea salt? It does not refer directly to production in saline watered by the sea, but also to those that have not undergone any refining process, only the addition of iodine. Thus, the salt flower is a type of sea salt, as it does not undergo any procedure after extraction ?, he says.

How to use it in cooking?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the daily recommendation is less than 5g of common salt (or 1 shallow teaspoon), equivalent to 2g of sodium. "Following this suggestion, the stipulated amount for use of the salt flower is approximately 4.5g per day, since each gram has 450mg of sodium," explains Andréia.

Read also: Himalayan Pink Salt: Find out why it is the purest salt on the planet

The recommended mode for using the salt flower? as opposed to refined salt or coarse salt? It is a dish finish, providing more flavor to the preparation. "The heating or cooking of crystals causes them to lose their characteristics, such as their crunchy texture, much appreciated by chefs," says the nutritionist.

Andréia points out that the salt flower can be used on any preparation: salads, steamed vegetables, roasted meats, fish, eggs, or even desserts, such as brigadeiros or the famous French "Caramel à la Fleur de Sel".

"In both sweet and savory dishes, this ingredient will enhance the flavor of the ingredients and give a sophisticated touch at the same time," adds Andréia.

Where to buy

Although not with great variety (brands, prices, stores that sell), it is possible to buy the salt flower over the internet:

  • Flor de Sal Cimsal 150g for R $ 29,90 at Lojas Sensis
  • Cimsal Salière Sal Flower with Funghi 12x65g for R $ 14,90 at Mimo Store
  • Salt flower with fine herbs 65g for R $ 14,90 at Loja da Mimo

In addition to the "traditional version", you can find the salt flower containing other ingredients such as fine herbs (suitable for finishing in fish, chickens and butters) or with funghi (suitable for pasta, sauces, risottos, meats). grilled vegetables and even vegetables) and even with chocolate.

Read also: Salad Dressing: Boost Your Flavorful Diet

20 recipes with salt flower

Want to add a touch of flavor and elegance to your dishes? Enlist the help of the salt flower! For that, get inspired by the recipes below!

Salted dishes with salt flower

1. Fine Herbal Salt Flower Noodles: The fine herb salt flower has been used to add flavor and sophistication to traditional garlic and oil noodles. The preparation, however, remains very simple.

2. Chicken Quiche and Salt Flower: A delicious and different dish that, besides chicken and salt flower, basically includes onions, olive oil, sugar, chili sauce, pepper, mushrooms, cream, eggs and salt.

3. Potatoes with rosemary and salt flower: Besides delicious, it is a very practical and quick accompaniment to be done, as you set the dish, put in the oven and prepare the other dishes. Then just serve.

4. Croutons with olive oil, rosemary and salt flower: they are simple to prepare, can be made with little tubes, and serve with salads or soups. Not to mention they are very fragrant, and the taste is amazing!

5. Salt Flower Picanha: The salt flower adds a special touch to the picanha, which is usually? The star? of a barbecue. To go with it, how about a good salad ?! Here's the tip for your weekend lunch!

6. Sirloin with wine and salt flower: the sirloin is super moist and delicious, is the recipe easy, quick and simple? Even if you don't have much of a knack in the kitchen, you'll be able to be surprised by the result!

7. Mango, tomatoes and salt flower salad: The colors, textures and fragrance contrasts are highly seductive and make this salad very special. It is easy to prepare and perfect to be served at a family lunch, for example. Everyone will be delighted!

8. Salted biscuits of Parmesan, rosemary and salt flower: great for accompanying beer, or even for an afternoon snack. Parmesan gives the cookie a very special flavor, which marries perfectly with the taste of rosemary. The recipe yields about 30 cookies, which can be stored in a closed glass to be able to consume whenever you want.

9. Rustic Potato with Balsamic Acetate and Salt Flower: The preparation is simple and you will only use potatoes with peel, onions, garlic, balsamic acid, extra virgin olive oil, salt to taste and the salt flower to sprinkle and give the special touch.

10. Filet Mignon with Parmesan Crust and Zucchini Blossom: An elegant recipe, ideal for a special weekend lunch. It takes a little work to prepare, but it is well worth it.

Sweet Dishes

11. Vanilla caramels with salt flower: are easy to make, delicious and beautiful (can be packaged as a gift). The only attention is to have a culinary thermometer, or syrup thermometer to turn off the fire at the right temperature.

12. Petit gâteau with caramel and salt flower: The combination of caramel with salt flower is already common in France, for example, and gives the dish an incredible flavor. Good dessert tip to serve after a special weekend lunch. Everyone will love!

13. Caramel, chocolate and salt flower fudge: A very easy recipe that results in a delicious sweet. The recipe yields 24 units and you will only use white chocolate, condensed milk, dark chocolate, unsalted butter and the salt flower.

14. Caramel and Salt Flower Cookie Cake: The salt flower is used in desserts to enhance some flavors and contrast others, as well as to give a crunchy texture. In this cake, it falls excellent and gives a special touch. Worth a try.

15. Chocolate chip cookie, pistachio and salt flower: You must leave the dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours before baking. The recipe yields about 16 cookies. And you don't have to use a mixer, the preparation works with a good wire whisk and a spatula.

16. Pudding with dulce de leche and salt flower: The combination of dulce de leche with salt flower is fabulous and provides unbeatable crispness. Ideal dessert for the weekend, worth a try!

17. Oatmeal, chocolate and salt flower cookie: The tip is to let the cookie dough stand in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours before baking the cookies. This makes the flavors intensify, producing a richer, more sophisticated cookie with the most pronounced caramel flavor.

18Caramel brigadeiros with salt flower: Brigadier is already too good, so imagine a caramel brigadeiro? (those that even stick to the tooth) with salt flower crystals to give a? broken? in candy? This is what guarantees this recipe!

19. Chocolate and Caramel Salt Truffles: You'll need dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sugar, fresh cream, butter, salt flower and cocoa powder. They are great for you to serve when you receive home visits, everyone will love!

20. Macadamia Caramel Brownie and Salt Flower: A simply delightful dessert, so no one blemishes! It is a creamy, super-delicious cookie with a generous caramel topping with macadamias and a pinch of salt flower.

Now that you know exactly what the salt flower is and you have seen that it can add a unique touch to savory and sweet dishes, how about including it in your kitchen ?! For sure you will not regret it!

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