We all are familiar with dry sea salts like Pink Himalayan and your typical white table salt. There also is another category of gourmet salt called “Wet Salts.”
Wet salts are sea salts that have not undergone an artificial drying process. These wet salts have been naturally dried by the sun and therefore retain some natural moisture content. Some have a moisture level of up to of 5% and others top out at 2%, the minimum to be considered a wet salt. These salts have the soft texture of wet sand, the same texture that’s perfect for building sand castles.
The benefits of wet salts vs. dry is two fold…
1. Wet salts tend to retain more nutrients than dry salts. Such as iron, calcium, and manganese.
2. The flavors and textures of wet salts are much different and tend to be a favorite among foodies.
Here at T.U.F.F. Momma Salt Craft we currently have three wet salts that are naturally dried by the sun.
These wet salts include, French Grey, Pinot Noir Salt and Fleur de Sel (flower of salt).
French Grey
French Grey salt is produced from sea water naturally dehydrated by the sun in clay-lined pools. The clay in these pools fills the salt crystals with minerals such as iron, calcium, and manganese. Grey salt has a texture that’s soft and flaky—not like the hard crystals of most sea salt. It also feels slightly damp to the touch. It has a depth of salty flavor with a slight mineral tang. Because of this, French Grey salt is especially tasty when sprinkled on simple vegetable side dishes, such as sautéed green beans, broccoli, peas, asparagus, roasted potatoes and corn. Purchase French Grey salt here.
Pinot Noir Salt
Pinot Noir Salt uses a base of Pacific sea salt mixed with a fine wine reduction of a vintage Californian Pinot Noir wine. The wet sea salt and wine mixture gives it its moist texture. This makes it especially delicious when it is heated in a favorite recipe and the flavor breaks down into the natural juices of your meal. We’ve found Pinot Noir Salt to be wonderful on wild game like venison, quail, turkey and salmon. Try mixing it with a red sauce to make a delicious pasta sauce. It’s best used for cooking rather than as a finishing salt. Purchase Pinot Noir salt here.
Fleur de Sel
Fleur de Sel is the extra-flaky white salt that crystallizes on top of the tide-pools and has to be carefully scooped up bit by bit. It has the most delicate of salty flavors that melts in your mouth! Some call it the caviar of salts because it is so coveted by gourmet chefs. This special salt dissolves so quickly that it is best used as a finishing salt right before you serve a dish. Just a few flakes are all you need to add a delicate salty crunch to a favorite recipe.
Some of our favorite ways to use Fleur de Sel is sprinkling it on chocolates, caramels, or other sweet items, like Creme Brûlée which both heightens and contrasts the sweetness. Other ways to use this salt include as a topping for oatmeal, eggs, vegetables, cooked meats, poultry, and fish, as well as baked goods from cupcakes to pretzels. Purchase Fleur de Sel here.
The next time you are in the kitchen reach for a wet salt and notice the difference in your meals!
Here at T.U.F.F. Momma Salt Craft all of our sea salts are produced on a small scale with ancient, skilled techniques. All our salts are all-natural and unrefined. They contain no chemicals or artificial additives. Basically, you always get the good stuff!
My husband purchased a bunch of salt. He didn’t know it was wet salt! It will not work in my grinder! And I and he doesn’t know what kind of salt that it is!? Can you possibly tell me how to find out!?
Hi Teresa! We have two wet salts, French Grey and Pinot Noir. With the exception of Pink Himalayan salt, none of our gourmet salts are meant to go into a grinder. They are provided pre-ground to the texture recommended for use.
If you bought your gourmet salts from another vendor, I may be able to tell what kind it is simply by what it looks like. Feel free to email me a photo at tuffcertified@gmail.com.