Splurging On Fleur De Sel? Here's The Brand Ina Garten Recommends

Salt is an absolutely essential item in the kitchen. Not only does it add flavor to all types of foods and dishes, but it can also add texture and color, bring out certain flavors while counteracting others, help with caramelization, and act as a natural preservative, among other things. From plain old table salt to Himalayan pink salt, Hawaiian black lava salt, all kinds of flavored salts, kosher salt, sea salt, and everything in between, there's an incredible variety of salts out there.

At the high end of the spectrum of salts is fleur de sel. French for "flower of salt," fleur de sel is harvested by hand in certain regions in France, which is one of the biggest differences fleur de sel has with sea salt. Fleur de sel is delicate and flaky, and contains around 80 intact minerals, according to the Smithsonian Magazine, including more calcium and magnesium than many other types of salt. Fleur de sel isn't cheap, but it is a favorite of many chefs, including the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. And while Diamond Crystal may be the one kosher salt Ina Garten hinges every recipe on, when it comes to finishing dishes, she prefers to use fleur de sel, and there's one specific brand that she recommends.

According to Oprah Daily, Ina Garten recommends Le Saunier De Camargue Fleur De Sel. It's harvested by hand by a plaudier (salt raker) using traditional methods from the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes in the Camargue region of southern France. Delicate, and white in color, with snowflake-shaped crystals that melt slowly on the tongue, Le Saunier De Camargue Fleur De Sel should be used to finish dishes. Sprinkle it on top of dishes just before serving, such as on grilled meats and fish, vegetables, salads, eggs, oatmeal, and even on top of butter. It also works beautifully with sweet treats and desserts, such as candies, caramels, chocolates, and crème brulee.

At nearly $15 for just 4.4 ounces, it's a splurge for salt for sure. But since you need just a tiny bit to really elevate different dishes, one container should last you a long while, and it's more than a worthy addition to your collection of French pastry staples to have on hand.