The salt flower is the name given to the first salt crystals that form and remain on the surface of the salt pans, which can be collected in large shallow clay tanks. This manual operation removes only a very thin film of salt crystals that forms on the surface of the salt water and never touches the bottom.
The fleur de sel is rich in useful minerals necessary for health, which gives it an advantage over refined salt, being a natural source of iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, fluorine, sodium, calcium, potassium and copper, as it does not suffer any processing or refining after its collection from the sea.
Thus, fleur de sel is an alternative to refined salt, however, you should not exceed 1 teaspoon per day, equivalent to about 4 to 6 grams.
How to use fleur de sel
The fleur de sel can be used as a spice in food, but it should not be taken to the fire because in this way it loses its crunchy texture and, therefore, its use is quite different from sea salt. Thus, the fleur de sel is excellent for seasoning salads or adding to foods at the end of cooking and, since the flavor of the fleur de sel is much more concentrated, you can use a small amount.
The flower of sea salt is composed of small white and brittle crystals, with a soft perfume, which reveals the taste of food, adding, in addition to sodium chloride, essential minerals for the balance of the organism.
Where to buy fleur de sel
The fleur de sel can be purchased at supermarkets and health food stores, for a price of about 15 reais per 150 grams.
Salt flower recipes
An example of recipes that enhance the properties of the fleur de sel are salads.
Zucchini and apple salad
Ingredients
- Half zucchini; 4 lettuce leaves; 1 carrot; 1 apple; 1 pinch of fleur de sel; 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon of rosemary oil.
Method of preparation
Wash the vegetables, put the lettuce in a bowl and add the grated carrot and zucchini. Wash and slice the apple and add. Season and serve as an accompaniment or main dish in a light meal.
