Fleur de sel

Fleur de sel is a type of high-quality sea salt characterized by its fine and crunchy texture and its intense, slightly sweet flavor. It forms naturally on the surface of salt ponds, where specific climatic conditions allow it to crystallize and be harvested by hand, making it a highly valued gourmet ingredient in cooking.

Its origin is primarily found in coastal regions with a Mediterranean climate, such as the coast of France (especially in the Guérande region), Spain, Portugal, and some Latin American countries with a tradition of artisanal salt production. The careful and manual extraction ensures that it retains its unique qualities and purity.

Regarding its properties, fleur de sel is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which distinguishes it from common refined salt. Due to its delicate texture, it is mainly used as a finishing salt, meaning it is sprinkled over prepared dishes to enhance flavors without overpowering the recipe. It is ideal for salads, grilled vegetables, fish, and desserts.

In different Latin American countries, fleur de sel may also be known as sal de flor, sal en flor, or simply artisanal salt, although the latter term is more general. However, "fleur de sel" is the most common and recognized name for this specialized ingredient.