Fleur de Sel
French for 'flower of salt.' A delicate finishing salt hand-harvested from the surface of evaporation ponds in France. Considered one of the finest and most expensive salts, prized for its subtle flavor and irregular crystal structure.
Related Terms
Sel Gris
French for 'grey salt.' An unrefined, moist sea salt harvested from clay-lined salt ponds along the French Atlantic coast. The grey color comes from trace clay minerals. Higher in magnesium than most salts.
Kala Namak
Hindi for 'black salt.' A kiln-fired Himalayan salt with a distinctive egg-like sulfurous flavor, essential in Indian cuisine for chaat, chutneys, and raita. Also widely used in vegan cooking as an egg flavor substitute.
Maldon Salt
A brand of flake sea salt produced in Maldon, Essex, England since 1882. Known for its distinctive hollow pyramid crystal shape, clean flavor, and satisfying crunch. Widely considered the standard finishing salt in professional kitchens.
Alaea
A Hawaiian volcanic red clay rich in iron oxide. Mixed with sea salt to create traditional Hawaiian alaea salt (red Hawaiian salt). Sacred in Hawaiian culture for cooking, preservation, and spiritual ceremonies.