What is Fleur de Sel? Find out everything about it in this complete guide. What does it taste like? How to use it and much more!
Jump To / Aller directement à
💬 What Is it?
Fleur de Sel is harvested by hand on the surface of the water of the salt marshes. It is formed under the combined action of sun and wind.
After salt-makers carefully harvest the delicate crystals, these are placed on special tables to dry naturally under the sun. These fragile crystals that form on the surface of the water are prized for their bright white color and exquisite flavor.
In France, it is harvested only in certain region: Guérande (Brittany), Noirmoutier Island, Island of Ré and Camargue (Southern France).
🧂How is it different from Sea Salt
Fleur de Sel is a rare and expensive form of sea salt that is harvested in parts of France. It is delicate and flaky. It is composed of delicate salt crystals.
It is a noble salt reserved for the table and preparations of Culinary Art. In other words, it is a finishing salt: perfect for adding to dishes just before serving them.
📖 What does it mean
Fleur de Sel (pronounced "flur-de-sell") is a French name that literally means in English "flower of salt."
👩🏻🍳 How to use it
Fleur de Sel shouldn't be used as an ordinary seasoning. It is a gourmet finishing salt. It adds a final flourish of texture and flavor to a dish. In French cuisine, it is often sprinkled on steaks, vegetables, Poireaux vinaigrette (French leek salad), Beetroot carpaccio or add it to your French Hot Chocolate.
It is also often used to make luxury caramels, chocolates or pastries.
📋 Substitutes
The best substitute for Fleur de Sel is Maldon Sea Salt. But in my opinion, Pink Himalayan Salt Flakes would also be a good choice.
💭 What Does It Taste Like?
According to my patisserie teacher, Fleur de Sel does not give your dishes a salty taste but a salted taste. Although salty and salted seem to name the same thing, once you have tried it, you will understand the difference between those 2 words. Fleur de Sel is flaky and has a crystal-like texture that impacts its taste. The difference is very obvious when you compare it to finely powdered salt. In other words, it has a more delicate taste than regular sea salt.
🧾 Where to buy it
Well, if you're visiting France or if you live in France, you can buy Fleur de Sel at any supermarket. You will find it next to the regular sea salt.
If you're not in France, it is available from online retailers, as well as specialty food stores. Here are authentic French products:
- from Guérande (French Northern region Brittany)
- from Camargue (French Southern region Camargue)
- from île de Ré (the Island of Ré, near La Rochelle)
Yes, it is pricey compared to regular sea salt, but don't forget that it is a finishing salt, for garnish. You won't use it to salt your pasta water.
🍱 How to store it
Most of the time, Fleur de Sel is sold in a cardboard container with a lid (as you can see if you click on the links above). In this case, let it in its container and store it in your pantry.
It is also sometimes sold in a fabric bag. In this case, it's best to store it in a jar with a lid. Store the jar in your pantry as well.
Did you like this article? Please leave a review below! Also, let's stay connected on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
🍲 French recipes you might like
If you're interested in everything French, you might like my article on The French Diet and those French recipes:
Leave a Reply