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Fleur de sel: how to use this sophisticated spice

Have you ever heard of fleur de sel, a very popular spice, especially for chefs?

It is a set of salt crystals that form on the surface of the water in the salt flats, after the combination of favorable weather conditions – intense sun, dry weather and constant winds.

Andréia Betti da Silva, nutritionist at Clínica Dr. Family, explains that the production of fleur de sel is an artisanal process, originated in France. “It consists of removing the most superficial layer of these crystals, without any contact with the bottom of the precipitation”, she says.

The manufacture of fleur de sel on a large scale, as highlighted by Andréia, began in Europe, mainly in France, in Guérande, and in Portugal, in the Algarve. In Brazil, production is recent, it started in 2008. Large companies located mostly in Rio Grande do Norte exhibit the product in the market.

What are the benefits of this type of salt?

Also called “Sea Salt Caviar” or “Pure Salt”, the crystals do not undergo any further processing or refinement. “In this way, they maintain a high concentration of minerals and trace elements, such as zinc, iron, magnesium, fluorine, potassium, copper, iodine, copper and, of course, sodium. In addition, as it does not undergo these chemical procedures, it is a product free of additives or any components that may be harmful to health”, explains Andréia.

Differences between fleur de sel and other types of salts

Andréia points out that salts can be classified according to their composition and processing (common, refined and marine) and grain characteristics (coarse, sieved, crushed and ground).

Common salt X Fleur de sel: it is extracted after the precipitation of the salt and the evaporation of the water. It then goes through a series of processes, such as refinement, removal of impurities and the addition of iodine (mandatory by ANVISA). Because it has a finer texture, this type is easy to measure and mix evenly into the preparations. The fleur de sel, as highlighted by the nutritionist, is a salt in the form of crystals, which is not processed, presenting a higher concentration of minerals, which some experts say leaves it with a unique and natural flavor. “It has a more expensive production process than table salt, and for each kilo of fleur de sel, 80 kg of table salt is produced”, adds Andréia.

Pink salt X Fleur de sel: the main difference between these salts, in addition to the extraction method, is the concentration of minerals and other substances. “Pink salt has a combination of calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron or iron oxide, which gives the crystals their pink color. These are taken from salt pans with millenary deposits, ‘watered’ by the sea. On the other hand, the flower of salt, produced in different places, has a different concentration of minerals in each one of them”, highlights Andréia.

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Flor de sal X sea salt: Andréia explains that, in this case, there is no difference. “The name ‘sea salt’ does not refer directly to production in salt pans irrigated by the sea, but also to those that have not gone through any refining process, only the addition of iodine. In this way, fleur de sel is a type of sea salt, as it does not undergo any procedure after extraction,” he says.

How to use it in cooking?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the daily recommendation is less than 5g of common salt (or 1 level teaspoon), the equivalent of 2g of sodium. “Following this suggestion, the amount stipulated for the use of fleur de sel is approximately 4.5g a day, since each gram has 450mg of sodium”, explains Andréia.

The recommended way to use fleur de sel – as opposed to refined salt or coarse salt – is to finish the dish, providing more flavor to the preparation. “The heating or cooking of the crystals causes them to lose their characteristics, such as their crunchy texture, much appreciated by chefs”, highlights the nutritionist.

Andréia also points out that fleur de sel can be used over any preparation: salads, steamed vegetables, roasted meats, fish, eggs, or even desserts, such as brigadiers or the famous French “Caramel à la Fleur de Sel”.

“In both sweet and savory dishes, this ingredient will enhance the flavor of the ingredients and give a sophisticated touch at the same time”, adds Andréia.

Where to buy

Although it doesn’t have a great variety (brands, prices, stores that sell them), it is possible to buy fleur de sal online.

In addition to the “traditional version”, it is possible to find the fleur de sel containing other ingredients, such as fine herbs (indicated for finishing with fish, chicken and butter) or with funghi (indicated for pasta, sauces, risottos, meats). grilled meats, legumes and vegetables) and even with chocolate.

20 recipes with fleur de sel

Want to add a touch of flavor and elegance to your dishes? Count on the help of the fleur de sel! For that, get inspired by the recipes below!

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Savory dishes with fleur de sel

1. Pasta with fleur de sel with fine herbs: the fleur de sel with fine herbs was used to give more flavor and sophistication to the traditional garlic and oil pasta. The preparation, however, remains very simple.

2. Chicken and fleur de sel quiche: a delicious and different dish that, in addition to chicken and fleur de sel, basically contains onions, olive oil, sugar, chili sauce, pepper, mushrooms, cream, eggs and salt.

3. Potatoes with rosemary and fleur de sel: in addition to being delicious, it is a very practical and quick accompaniment to make, as you assemble the platter, put it in the oven and prepare the other dishes. Then just serve.

4. Croutons with olive oil, rosemary and fleur de sel: they are simple to prepare, can be made with little tubes, and serve to accompany salads or soups. Not to mention that they are very fragrant, and the taste is amazing!

5. Picanha with fleur de sel: the fleur de sal gives a special touch to the picanha, which is usually “the star” of a barbecue. To accompany, how about a good salad?! Here’s the tip for your weekend lunch!

6. Roast loin with wine and fleur de sel: the loin is super moist and delicious, in addition, the recipe is easy, quick and simple… Even if you’re not very good at cooking, you’ll get it and be surprised by the result!

7. Mango, tomato and fleur de sel salad: the colors, the contrasts of textures and scents are highly seductive and make this salad very special. It is easy to prepare and perfect to be served at a family lunch, for example. Everyone will be delighted!

8. Savory cookies with parmesan, rosemary and fleur de sel: great with beer, or even as an afternoon snack. The Parmesan gives a very special flavor to the biscuit, which marries perfectly well with the flavor of rosemary. The recipe yields about 30 cookies, which can be stored in a closed glass so you can consume them whenever you want.

9. Rustic potatoes with balsamic vinegar and fleur de sel: the preparation is simple and you will only use potatoes with skin, onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt to taste and fleur de sel to sprinkle and give the special touch.

10. Filet mignon with parmesan crust and zucchini flower: a very elegant recipe, ideal for a special weekend lunch. It takes a little work to prepare, but well worth it.

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sweet dishes

11. Vanilla caramels with fleur de sel: they are easy to make, they are delicious and beautiful (they can be packaged to give as a gift, for example). The only attention is to have a culinary thermometer, or thermometer for syrups to turn off the fire at the right temperature.

12. Petit gâteau with caramel and fleur de sel: the combination of caramel and fleur de sel is already common in France, for example, and gives an incredible flavor to the dish. Good dessert tip to serve after a special weekend lunch. Everyone will love it!

13. Caramel, chocolate and fleur de sel fudge: a very easy recipe that results in a delicious sweet. The recipe yields 24 units and you will only use white chocolate, condensed milk, semisweet chocolate, unsalted butter and fleur de sel.

14. Chocolate and caramel truffles with fleur de sel: you will need dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sugar, fresh cream, butter, fleur de sel and cocoa powder. They are great for you to serve when you have guests at home, everyone will love it!

15. Cookie with chocolate chips, pistachios and fleur de sel: it is necessary to leave the dough in the fridge for at least two hours before baking. The recipe yields about 16 cookies. And you don’t need to use a mixer, the preparation works with a good wire whisk and a spatula.

16. Pudding with dulce de leche and fleur de sel: the combination of dulce de leche and fleur de sel is fabulous, in addition to providing an unbeatable crunch. Perfect dessert for the weekend, worth a try!

17. Brownie with macadamia caramel and fleur de sel: a simply enchanting dessert, so no one can fault it! It’s a creamy, super-delicious cookie, with a generous caramel topping with macadamia nuts and a pinch of fleur de sel.

18. Caramel brigadeiros with fleur de sel: brigadeiro is already too good, so imagine a very “sticky” caramel brigadeiro (those that even stick to the tooth) with little crystals of fleur de sel to give a “break” in the sweet? This is what this recipe guarantees!

Now that you know exactly what fleur de sel is and that it can give a unique touch to savory and sweet dishes, how about including it in your kitchen?! You certainly won’t regret it!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.

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