Fleur-de-sel Flakes

The fleur de sel flakes in the FINEST FOOD AGE SALT COLLECTION are a fair trade product from a small business in South Africa’s Western Cape province. International food hygiene standards are strictly observed throughout the manufacturing process. The production of this salt creates jobs under socially responsible working conditions in an underdeveloped part of South Africa.

This precious sea salt is harvested in a small salt garden near St. Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. The water from which the salt is obtained comes from a completely clean source – an underground saltwater lake that is about 400 years old and hence free of the pollution, such as microplastic contamination, that affects the oceans today. A natural cycle keeps this underground salt lake topped up with fresh filtered seawater from the South Atlantic Ocean. The South Atlantic is one of the cleanest oceans in the world and is particularly rich in oxygen. Its water seeps into the salt lake underground, so that it is naturally filtered through a layer of quartz sand, shell limestone and clay two thousand metres deep.
This means that the salt garden from which the fleur de sel flakes in the FINEST FOOD AGE SALT COLLECTION come is filled not with the water from the open sea from which most types of sea salt are obtained but with the absolutely pure water from the underground lake. The water in this lake has a ten percent salt content. The salt garden consists of water basins at different levels in which the sea salt matures. The most important work is done by the sun and wind. These natural forces encourage evaporation of the water in the basins, so that the salt concentration gradually rises. Once it reaches 25 percent, the salt crystals begin to form.

During the hot summer months (which in South Africa means from October to March), the fine crystal flakes of the fleur de sel are gently skimmed from the surface of the saltwater by hand, using a special tool that resembles a shovel. During harvesting the precious large flakes and the smaller crystals are carefully sorted by hand; the natural “impurities”, such as minute pieces of plants and shells, are also removed manually. The fragile fleur de sel flakes are packed with the utmost care so that the crystals retain their original shape.

The main differences between the fleur de sel flakes in the FINEST FOOD AGE SALT COLLECTION and ordinary sea salt products arise from the special geological location of the salt garden, which guarantees a completely pure and natural salt, and from the delicate nature of the filigree salt crystals. Because the crystals are harvested by hand in the traditional way, the fleur de sel flakes retain their natural crystal structure.

The fleur de sel flakes in the FINEST FOOD AGE SALT COLLECTION have a harmonious, mildly salty flavour which develops its full impact if the crystals are allowed to dissolve on the tongue.
This truly out-of-the-ordinary finishing salt is best sprinkled on food with the fingers at the table. This enables the crisp melting consistency of the flakes to be appreciated and lends a sensual sophistication to all fine dishes. This rare sea salt speciality from Africa adds a touch of luxury to pasta, fish and vegetable dishes as well as to raw foods and salads.

The fleur de sel flakes in the FINEST FOOD AGE SALT COLLECTION are ideal for inclusion in a health-conscious diet. Because the crystals are harvested by hand in the traditional way, their natural, balanced concentration of minerals and trace elements is retained and the body is able to absorb them properly. The sea salt flakes contain not only natural iodine but also minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
If you have difficulty falling asleep, fleur de sel can often help: simply put a couple of flakes on the tongue and let them slowly dissolve.

To ensure protection from harmful environmental influences, the fleur de sel flakes in the FINEST FOOD AGE SALT COLLECTION are supplied in high-quality violet glass jars. Keeping this special jar tightly closed will ensure that the fleur de sel flakes always have the dry and dark storage conditions that they need.
Salt should not be kept next to the stove or over the cooker hood because the cooking carried out in this area produces a lot of moisture that will quickly cause the salt to become clumpy.