What Makes Hawaiian Sea Salt Special?

Hawaiian sea salt combines Hawaiian sea water and red volcanic clay.

Hawaiian sea salt, also known as alaea, alae, or red volcanic salt because of its coloring and incorporation of Hawaii's alaea red volcanic clay, is special for its unique coloring, texture, richness in minerals, and mild flavor.

Identification

Aside from having a pinkish red hue, Hawaiian sea salt is large and coarse like kosher salt. Hawaiian sea salt has a mellower flavor than table salt and is sometimes sold mixed with herbs for use with cooking fish.

Formation

When Hawaiian waters mix with red volcanic alaea clay and evaporate in tidal pools, Hawaiian sea salt forms. Modern production reproduces this natural process through the solar evaporation of Hawaiian seawater mixed with alaea clay.

Benefits

The alaea clay in Hawaiian sea salt contains more than 80 minerals. Along with Indian black salt and sel gris, Hawaiian sea salt is considered to be one of the three most mineral-rich salts available. Hawaiians believe that alaea provides many health benefits because of its alleged healing and detoxifying capabilities.

Culinary Uses

A common table salt in Hawaii, Hawaiian sea salt is used in traditional Hawaiian dishes such as Kalua Pig, Hawaiian Jerky, and Poke. Hawaiian sea salt also goes well with fish, prime rib, and pork loin and makes an attractive accompaniment to foods such as corn and mashed potatoes.

Fun Fact

Hawaiian sea salt has been historically used for ceremonial blessings and the purification of departing canoes.

References

• Culinary Salt Glossary
• Introduction to Gourmet Salt
• Salt Information