Description

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 ocean amongst rare layers of lava rock. Alaea salt takes its name from the red alaea clay with which it is mixed. As well as giving it its name, the clay lends the salt its striking and distinctive red colour.

As well as seasoning food, the indigenous people also use Alaea salt to clean tools and as part of their rituals. It is believed that Alaea salt has healing properties. For the local people, this particular volcanic clay is considered sacred and also symbolises freedom. The indigenous people have used Alaea salt to preserve fish since ancient times.

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 throughout the body. Iron deficiency means there are not enough red blood cells in the body, leading to fatigue 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.

One of the body’s most important minerals is potassium. It helps regulate nerve signals, muscle contractions and fluid balance. A diet high in potassium can also help to lower blood pressure and reduce water retention.

Chloride is necessary for maintaining the correct balance of body fluids. It is an essential component of digestive (stomach) fluids.

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 highly 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.

As it is a clay salt, it retains moisture very well. We therefore recommend using Alaea salt when roasting chicken, as it prevents the meat from drying out too much. As well as with chicken, we also recommend using it when making homemade guacamole – it adds a lovely juiciness and freshness.

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:

• 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.
• Next, finely chop the golden shallot and spring onion.
• Add the tuna and the remaining ingredients to the chilled bowl and mix everything together. Time to taste!
• Now adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Serve straight away and enjoy!