Unravelling The Benefits of Celtic Salt

1. Unravelling The Benefits of Celtic Salt Celtic Sea Salt is packed full of trace minerals, learn the positive impact they have on your health... 1.Origins Of Celtic Sea Salt 2.Differences Between Table Salt, Sea Salt, & Celtic Salt 3.Advantages Of Celtic Sea Salt 4.Different Varieties Of Celtic Salt 5.How To Use Raw Salt 6.Shopping For Quality Salt Varieties Celtic salt, often referred to as grey salt or the French sel gris, is a remarkable and versatile type of sea salt that has grown in popularity among food enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals around the world. Its unique characteristics, history, diverse culinary applications, and impressive health benefits make Celtic sea salt fascinating. Indeed, Celtic sea salt isn't your run-of-the-mill table salt, it is a unique and time- honoured seasoning with an enviable mineral profile and numerous attractive attributes – not the least of which is its origins. Continue reading to delve into the world of Celtic sea salt. Origins Of Celtic Sea Salt Off the picturesque shores of Guérande, France, the magic of nature and tradition would work together to create a culinary treasure known as Celtic sea salt. Here, where the tides come in, early Celtic tribes would gather to craft an exceptional form of salt. They would begin by allowing seawater to gently settle into clay silt ponds and then wait for the sun's rays and the wind to do their magic, yielding a rich, concentrated brine. This brine, infused with the essence of the sea, would then be channelled to shallow salt pans etched in clay. Here, it would undergo a natural transformation via solar evaporation. The result? Delicate salt crystals, each one an embodiment of nature's alchemy. But what truly sets Celtic sea salt apart is the influence of the clay, both from the silt ponds and the salt pans, which lends the salt its distinctive grey hue and moist texture. Sel gris is a salt of exceptional character, offering a delightful coarseness and a moisture content that sets it firmly apart in the world of salts – boasting a generous 15%, compared to the mere 1% found in most sea salts and commercially produced counterparts. In every granule, Celtic sea salt embodies the rich Celtic heritage of Guérande and is the perfect marriage of sea and earth. While Celtic sea salt was once produced exclusively in Brittany, France, over time, it has started to be sourced from several other pristine coastal areas such as Guatemala, Hawaii and other locations. Differences Between Table Salt, Sea Salt, & Celtic Salt Celtic sea salt stands out from the common options of regular refined sea salt and table salt. While the latter two are often treated as interchangeable commodities in culinary seasoning, they do differ in one considerable way – sea salt (even the refined variety) does not typically have the addition of iodine, while table salt, which is basically devoid of minerals, has iodine added back in, to help prevent iodine deficiency. In sharp contrast, unrefined or raw sea salt such as Celtic sea salt, retains many of its natural minerals and trace elements, making it a much more nutritious salt. When seawater is evaporated to produce sea salt, the resulting crystals can vary in size, shape, and colour, depending on the source and the method of

2. production. These variations are due to the rich and diverse mineral content of seawater. Moreover, unrefined sea salt typically undergoes minimal processing, preserving many of its health-promoting minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium, that are naturally present in seawater. This mineral content gives unrefined sea salt a slightly different taste and texture, often described as saltier, with a more complex and subtle flavour profile. Celtic sea salt is a specific type of unrefined sea salt, that is highly prized for its even richer mineral content, featuring all sorts of essential trace elements such as iodine, zinc, copper, and selenium. These trace minerals play crucial roles in a variety of important bodily functions. For instance, iodine is essential for thyroid function, while zinc and selenium are vital for a healthy, robust immune system. Consuming Celtic sea salt in moderation helps provide these essential minerals, making it a far more health-conscious choice than highly processed, refined sea salt and table salt. Another one of the most compelling aspects of Celtic Sea Salt is its commitment to sustainability and ethical harvesting practices, with most Celtic Sea Salt brands prioritizing environmental responsibility and adhering to strict standards to ensure the purity and quality of their salt. In fact, most quality brands list logos from reputable organizations, such as organic or fair-trade certifications. These are your guarantee that the salt has been produced with the environment and workers’ welfare in mind. Advantages Of Celtic Sea Salt Alkalizing– Unlike ordinary table salt, which is decidedly acidic, Celtic sea salt is highly alkalizing and harmonizes the body's pH. In fact, Celtic sea salt is only 84% sodium and 16% minerals, and its pH is alkaline at 8.5, which means it is ideally suited to stimulate detox, removing toxins and heavy metals, and protecting overall health and wellness. Boosts Flavour– Celtic sea salt infuses dishes with a unique and complex flavour profile. Moreover, unlike standard table salt, Celtic sea salt retains a wealth of essential minerals, imparting a subtly salty taste and adding depth and complexity to food. Its coarse texture and slightly moist consistency also ensure that it adheres well to the surface of foods, enhancing their natural flavours. Whether used in cooking or as a finishing touch, this salt elevates dishes by providing a well-rounded, nuanced seasoning that bolsters the overall dining experience. Enhances Nutrient Profile– Celtic sea salt can elevate your meals to nutritional excellence. Indeed, introducing this ancient treasure into your culinary repertoire can supercharge your nutrient absorption by an astonishing 7%. This alchemy means that every bite you savour becomes a symphony of sustenance that nourishes your body. Loaded With Essential Minerals/Trace Minerals– This salt is harvested from seawater through evaporation, typically in tidal basins. This process allows it to retain a higher mineral content than regular table salt, which is heavily processed and stripped of most minerals. Indeed, Celtic sea salt contains 84 known minerals and trace elements, so it provides numerous health benefits beyond merely flavouring dishes (though its unique and delicious flavour can never be overstated.) Replenishes Essential Electrolytes– The body is composed of over 60% water. However, drinking lots of water is not enough to maintain our electrolyte balance. Indeed, we also need an adequate intake of electrolytes each day to power our muscles, stimulate our nerves, and promote hormone and enzyme synthesis, bone remodelling, blood pressure balance, and cell reproduction. Each Celtic sea salt crystal is packed with essential minerals that help balance bodily fluids, protect nerve signals, and improve muscle contractions. Supports Digestion– Celtic sea salt doesn't just tantalize your taste buds; it supports your digestive system. Thanks to its unique ability to stimulate the production of saliva and gastric juices, it transforms carbohydrates into readily absorbable nutrients. In turn, this helps improve the digestive process and eliminate symptoms associated with indigestion, such as gas, flatulence, and bloating. All of the above make Celtic sea salt a standout choice for discerning chefs and health-conscious consumers alike. But that's not all; Celtic sea salt also happens to be good for you and offers several unique health benefits. These include:     Helps reduce excess mucus and congestion in nasal passages & lungs Improves immune function Helps lower inflammation Promotes skin health & soothes skin irritation/inflammation

3. Different Varieties Of Celtic Salt Celtic sea salt comes in a wide range of iterations, each with distinct characteristics. Here are some of the most popular varieties: Traditional Celtic Grey Salt– This is the classic Celtic sea salt that is hand-harvested. Its distinctive flavour is characterized by its mild brininess and subtle mineral complexity, making it a prized ingredient for meats, hearty dishes, and gourmet cuisine. Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt– This salt has a finer grind. It has a more subtle flavour than coarse salts and is convenient for salt shakers and baking. Flower of Salt (Fleur de Sel)– This fine ground salt has the vibrant essence of Spring and Summer and is ideal as an aromatic finishing salt. It can elevate grilled fish or ceviche and transform green vegetables into mouth-watering dishes. It also pairs wonderfully with South East Asian coconut-based dishes. Smoked Celtic Sea Salt– This type of salt is characterized by sea salt flakes infused with smoke from natural, untreated wood. It is an aromatic and flavourful wonder well worth discovering. It has a full-bodied yet sweet and smokey taste, ideal as a barbecue rub or to enhance meals by adding a bold, flame-grilled quality. Celtic Sea Salt Flakes– These chunky, moist grains have a distinct grey hue and a briny taste. They are great on fish and meat both in cooking and as a finishing salt and lend themselves well to baking. They dissolve quickly, releasing rich bursts of flavour. How To Use Raw Salt Celtic sea salt is highly versatile and can elevate all sorts of cooking, including stewing, broiling, grilling, baking, and as a finishing garnish. It will add flavour, depth, and complexity to almost any recipe and visual appeal to your dishes. Try sprinkling it over grilled meats, poultry, fish, seafood, and veggies to bring out their flavours, add a delightful crunchiness, and impart a touch of saltiness. It also lends exceptionally well to barbecuing when you want to add an irresistible crust to perfectly seared steaks, poultry or game meats. Celtic sea salt can also be used to tenderize meats because of its crystalline structure and rich mineral composition. Indeed, it can draw out moisture from the meat through osmosis when used as a dry rub or in a brine. This helps break down muscle fibres, making the meat tender and juicy. To use it effectively, apply a generous coating of Celtic sea salt to the meat, allowing it to rest for some time before cooking. This simple yet effective technique can elevate the quality of your dishes, ensuring a more succulent and flavourful meat preparation. Celtic salt is also excellent for adorning cocktail glass rims or enhancing the visual appeal of baked goods. A word of caution: Because Celtic sea salt is extremely flavourful (much more so than regular sea salt or table salt), it’s best to start with a small amount and add more as needed. Shopping For Quality Salt Varieties If you've decided to try Celtic sea salt, choose one that is certified organic and sustainably sourced. Watch out for imposters, too. Salt that's overly white or suspiciously dry may have been through too much refining, losing its unique character along the way. Also, don't forget to inspect the ingredient list. Pure Celtic sea salt has but one ingredient: salt. So, if you spot any sneaky additives like anti-caking agents or preservatives, you'll know it's not the real deal. Also, watch for the words "unrefined" or "raw" on the label. These are your guarantees that the salt in question has retained all its natural mineral goodness and essential trace elements that make Celtic sea salt the highly prized, and delicious superfood that it is.