Description

ALAEA coarse gourmet salt

What is Alaea salt and where does it come from?

Alaea salt is a red salt found exclusively on the Aloha Islands in the Pacific Ocean, and has been used by the indigenous people of Hawaii for centuries. This unique sea salt is found in the sea amongst rare layers of lava rock. The name ‘Alaea salt’ derives from the red alaea clay with which the salt is mixed. As well as giving it its name, the clay lends the salt its striking and distinctive red colour.

Today, small-scale salt production takes place on the unspoilt island of Molokai, in the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is harvested from the Pacific Ocean using traditional solar evaporation techniques, which, when combined with Hawaiian volcanic clay, allow crystals to form. One of the world’s most sought-after natural salts, red Alaea salt is produced organically by hand.

Why is Alaea salt beneficial?

Red Alaea salt is ideal for seasoning food and has fantastic nutritional value, as it promotes a healthy balance of cellular fluids. It also contains essential nutrients that improve overall health. The main health-promoting minerals in Alaea salt are iron, magnesium, calcium, fluoride, potassium, chloride and sodium.

Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. An iron deficiency means there are not enough red blood cells in the body, leading to tiredness and, often, dizziness.

Magnesium is beneficial for the muscles and aids muscle recovery after strenuous exercise. In addition to muscle recovery, magnesium is also important for nerve function and energy production.

Calcium is a mineral most commonly associated with strong bones and teeth. However, it also plays a vital role in blood clotting, aids muscle contraction and regulates normal heart rhythm and nerve activity.

Fluoride is essential for dental health. By strengthening enamel and protecting it from tooth decay, it helps with the remineralisation of teeth. Furthermore, fluoride helps the enamel of young children, infants and permanent teeth to harden before it begins to crumble.

The human body needs a small amount of sodium to transmit nerve impulses, to contract and relax muscles, and to maintain a healthy balance of minerals and water.

All these minerals are readily found in Alaea red salt, making it a very healthy choice for your daily diet.

How should Alaea salt be used?

Alaea salt’s stunning orange-red hue is very appealing. But that is not the only reason why chefs around the world favour and revere this premium sea salt. 

Its rich aroma is particularly pleasing to the palate. A note often described as having a slightly nutty, earthy undertone and a sweet aftertaste blends well with the familiar, mild flavour of sea salt. This distinctive culinary experience inspires both gourmet chefs and home cooks alike. This salt works well as a unique element in a variety of dishes.

Red Hawaiian salt is also popular outside Hawaii thanks to its fantastic flavour. It pairs well with vegetables, raw fish, meat, soups, sauces and marinades. Coarse-grained salt (also known as Alaea coarse) has grains 1–2 mm wide. When plating up, you can use these decorative elements to add visual appeal.

A fun recipe to try with Alaea salt: Fresh Tuna Poke

This is a fresh and incredibly tasty recipe to try at home with our red Alaea salt. Remember that for the best results, you should only use fresh ingredients. It’s incredibly simple, yet surprisingly delicious.

Ingredients (this quantity makes two small portions):

• 100 g sashimi-grade tuna, cut into 2 cm cubes
• A little sesame oil (2–3 drops will do)
• One teaspoon of golden shallots
• A small pinch of grated ginger
• One spring onion, use only the green part
• Two teaspoons of light soya sauce
• One teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds
• A generous pinch of our Alaea salt, either fine or coarse (both are suitable, although we recommend using Alaea Fine salt for this recipe)
• A little Tabasco sauce (just as much as you like)
• One teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil

Method:

1. First, chill the bowl in which you’ll be mixing everything together! Place the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour, or soak it in ice-cold water for 15–30 minutes

2. Next, finely chop the golden shallot and spring onion.

3. Add the tuna and the remaining ingredients to the chilled bowl and mix everything together.

4. Time to taste! Now adjust the seasoning to your liking

5. Serve straight away and enjoy!