Fleur de Sel

What Is Fleur de Sel?

Fleur de sel (French for “flower of salt”) is a special sea salt obtained by hand-skimming the thin, fragile crystal layer that forms on the surface of the water in sea salt marshes under suitable wind and sun conditions. It is traditionally famous from salt marshes in France (especially Guérande).

Since only the thinnest surface layer is collected, its production is limited and labor-intensive; this makes it a prized “finishing salt”. Its moist, delicate crystals melt slightly on the tongue and give a distinct crunch.

Nutritional Value of Fleur de Sel

As a salt, fleur de sel mainly provides sodium and is used in very small amounts; therefore no detailed nutrition table is given. Being of marine origin, it may contain trace minerals, but it remains a salt.

How Should Fleur de Sel Be Used?

Since fleur de sel is a high-sodium salt, it is used in moderation; those who need to limit their salt intake should watch it like other salts. Since its delicate texture is lost with heat, it is mostly sprinkled over food after cooking.

This information is general; fleur de sel is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Fleur de Sel?

Good fleur de sel has crystals that are fine, delicate-moist, clean white-grayish and unclumped. Coarse, bone-dry or off-smelling products do not represent this special salt.

• Crystals should be fine and delicate
• Should be slightly moist, not clumped
• Should be clean and odorless

How to Store Fleur de Sel?

Fleur de sel is stored in a sealed container, in a dry and cool place. Since it is naturally slightly moist, an overly dry environment or excess moisture can disturb its balance; it is recommended to take it out with a spoon or dry hand.

Using Fleur de Sel in the Kitchen

Fleur de sel is used as a finishing salt, sprinkled at the moment of serving over grilled meat and fish, vegetables, salad, chocolate-caramel desserts and even fresh bread. Its crunchy texture and delicate saltiness add both flavor and texture to the plate.

Why Isn't Fleur de Sel Used in Cooking?

Since its delicate crystal texture dissolves and is lost in heat and liquid, its valuable crunchiness and flower-of-salt character disappear; that is why it is used at the last moment on top of the dish, not in the cooking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fleur de sel and table salt?

Fleur de sel is a hand-collected finishing salt with fine, delicate crystals; table salt is more finely ground, mostly with additives, and used for everyday cooking.

Why is fleur de sel expensive?

Since only the thinnest layer on the salt marsh's surface can be hand-collected in suitable weather, its production is limited and labor-intensive; this makes it more valuable.

Is fleur de sel a healthy salt?

In the end it is a high-sodium salt; its trace minerals do not make it “healthy” — like other salts, it should be consumed in moderation.