Notes

Fleur Desel
Fleur de sels are a type of marine salt commonly found in coastal areas in various countries around the world. This type of salt commonly is used for cooking and seasoning seafood. Because of its naturally occurring property, it is also used to help remove impurities from sea water. These impurities usually include metals such as copper and silver and organic substances like manure from animals and plants. Fleur de sels were originally found on coasts of France, England and other European countries, but today they are found in virtually every ocean.

Fleur de sels are created by evaporating water into the air. The process produces a light, translucent film that bears the texture of fine sand. The crystals form as the water evaporates, giving it the sandy texture we know of as fleur de sel. Fleur de sels were first collected centuries ago, and has been used since then as an antiseptic for skin diseases and wounds. It's effectiveness in both uses has made it a valuable addition to modern medicine and culinary arts.

Because fleur de sel is somewhat porous in nature, applying it as an absorbent may not be a good idea. This type of sea salt typically contains a large amount of minerals, making it less absorbent than regular table salt. Table salt is a better alternative if you will be using it for a long period of time. If your purpose is simply to enhance the texture and flavor of certain foods or for adding an elegant touch to a dish, however, absorption is not a major concern. Also, if you are considering adding fleur de sel as a sea salt supplement, it is advisable to opt for a natural mineral content which does not have an unpleasant aftertaste or odor.

Like other sea salts, fleur de sel tends to be harvested from brackish (salt) water sources. Typically this harvesting technique yields a more concentrated product with higher mineral content. This concentration may vary, however, depending on the location of the harvesting site and surrounding climate. The most sought-after locations for harvesting are along the coasts and in marsh regions. Usually, this harvesting technique is followed by an extensive raking and washing process to remove large pieces of debris from the brackish water.

There are two primary types of fleur de sel, coarse sea salt and marine sulfate sea salt. The former is harvested from the coasts while the latter is harvested from inland water sources. Finely ground fleur de sel granules are harvested in open wells. This type of fine salt is highly desired because it maintains its crystalline structure even at very low temperatures. It has the ability to maintain its crystalline structure even in cool temperatures. This unique quality gives this particular type of coarse sea salt its distinct appearance and characteristics.

Fine crystalline grains often have a smooth exterior. Fleur de sels harvested from inland water sources tend to have a coarse, granular appearance and are harvested by hand. This harvesting technique results in high moisture content and requires advanced machinery to harvest the salt. Because the water evaporates quickly from the coarse grains, they tend to settle and form salt crystal clusters rather than the smooth surfaces typical of fine sea salts.

Fleur de sels can also be harvested from coastal marshes. Harvesting from marshes allows the water to evaporate rapidly from the top of the soil as it flows out to the ocean. The high concentration of minerals in the ocean evaporation process results in fleur de sel that are rich in calcium and magnesium, as well as trace minerals such as calcium and potassium.

Fleur de sels harvested from inland ponds in southwestern France are also popular worldwide. Collecting the salt from marshes allows for much greater quantities to be gathered than fleur de sel harvested from coastal waters. These types of salts have a very high mineral concentration and a smooth, rounded surface. Many collectors find that it takes many years to fully collect a supply of this highly sought after type of sea salt. This highly desired product is often offered for auction at prices in excess of two hundred US dollars each.
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