Hand-harvested, stoneground, unrefined sea salt from the protected Isle of Noirmoutier, Brittany, France. Ancient Celtic salt farm methods with no chemicals added. Smooth, mellow taste and a wealth of trace minerals. Glass Jars.
DETAILS
Isle of Noirmoutier sea salt is world famous. Two-thirds of the island is sea marsh in the Bay of Biscay. A hot, sunny climate and constant dry wind evaporate the water. It is designated a national nature preserve and environmentally protected. Noirmoutier means black monastery from black robed monks who lived there in the Middle Ages. They were the first to use Celtic hand-harvest methods for sea salt, the same practice used today.
Atlantic water flows into rectangular, man-made, hard sun-baked clay pools. Two days of sun and wind result in large salt crystals called sel gros that are light gray from the clay. These are harvested by a saunier or salt farmer with a long rake. The saunier draws crystals to one side of the pool. Every two days, salt is wood rake collected and added to a pile that becomes several feet high as the harvest proceeds. This coarse salt is dried and stone ground to a medium-fine for EDEN Sea Salt. No further processes, washing, or additives are involved. It is never blended. The traditional Celtic process captures a wealth of trace elements and produces one of the most delicious sea salts in the world.
Noirmoutier islanders take pride in the purity and taste of their salt. The craft has been handed down through generations. The island possesses unique qualities that produce exquisite salts. EDEN Sea Salt is certified by L'Association de Controle Tiers Ouest Atlantique (ACTOA), 'Selection du Saunier.' This organization certifies that the source is pure, unpolluted Noirmoutier where the environment is suitable for organic agriculture and its strict requirements for sea salt.
Imitation sea salts dominate the marketplace in the U.S. Food processors use them because they can, and they are cheap. There is no regulation in the U.S. market. This type of fraud is not allowed in the E.U.
The difference is the taste, nutrients, and physiological effects. EDEN Sea Salt is lower in sodium and higher in calcium and other minerals. It is sea salt in its natural state with trace elements as found in the ocean. Iodine is not stripped out and then 'fortified' back in. EDEN Sea Salt is packed in glass to protect its taste and prevent it from absorbing moisture.
An exceptional value, EDEN French Celtic Sea Salt is clean and with a smooth taste. It makes dishes prepared with it taste noticeably better. It is ideal as table salt, for cooking, and baking. In saltshakers, add about ten percent rice to absorb moisture and make it shake out well.