Fleur de sels is the traditional flower of salt in Portugal. It is formed by collecting millions of tiny shells gathered by coastal shore dwellers each day. The flower is usually yellowish-green and is grown primarily in coastal areas from south of Lisbon to north of Santa Lisbon. Its salty scent reminds me of bonfires on windy days and is often used as an incense.
Fleur de sels has a long history in france, dating back to the 12th century. During this time the flower of salt was popular with royalty among the people of Portugal. Because of its popularity, the salt became associated with royalty. It became a sign of wealth, and therefore was often used to mark buildings and records in the royal courts. It was also used as an identification mark of churches, residences and estates.
The fleur de sel has made a long way into our lives. As the salt has become a popular decoration in our culture, it has also become a very important symbol in our weddings. The flower of salt is used on wedding invitations, favors and banners as well as wedding rings.
Salt sprays and pastries go great with cakes and other salty delicacies. It is best to use a fine fleur de sel powder for applying to food. There are various products on the market made with fleur de sel that have a very fine texture. These pastries, cookies and chips are very attractive to look at especially when they come in attractive packet holders and attractive boxes. They have a very delicate flavor that is somewhat similar to that of a delicate flower petal.
Salt adds a bit of crunch on top of any salty snacks or appetizers. This can be sprinkled on salads or vegetable dishes. Salads such as spinach artichoke quiche and kale and cabbage shawls are perfect for this purpose. Crumbs from a rich cream cheese spread can be sprinkled on salads. Crumbling crumbs from cold meats such as suckers, chicken legs and prime rib can be sprinkled on sandwiches. For an appetizer made with high moisture content, try grating cheese over lettuce leaves to have a melt-in-your-mouth taste.
Sprinkle fleur de sel on pastries and cookies baked with butter and cream cheese. Add some to a warm tortilla shell for a delicious dip. Dip strawberries in the mixture for a neat, little surprise. Serve your fruit and nuts with a generous helping of this salt treat. This combination of sweet taste, crunch and high moisture content makes fleur de sel a healthy snack choice, too.
It’s a well known fact that salt marshes are not to be taken lightly. You have to look for delicate, tiny critters that are extremely sensitive to high temperatures. Marshes need to be carefully placed by professional gardeners in order to avoid damage, which may occur if there is not careful placement. Once the marsh is filled, it should not be emptied as the tiny inhabitants of the water plant take a long time to settle down. If you’re thinking about using flower of salt as a garnish to jazz up your next salad or side dish, be sure to check with someone who has done it before so that you get just the right amount of “real” salts.
Flower of Salt is also available in concentrated forms, so you can enjoy your doses even more than if you just put them on your salad plates. Since this salt is obtained from the Dead Sea, it is highly concentrated and thus the effect is more pronounced on each crystal salt bead. Most people will be amazed when they taste this salt on their dishes, especially those who have never tried it before. For fleur de sel fans and anyone else who likes to make sea food an important part of their diet, it is hard to beat the wonderful flavor and soothing texture of this sea salt.
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