A piece of steak that goes from its regular price of $21 to a whopping $50+ just because of some chunky salt being left on top? What's the deal with that sudden price hike?

What is gourmet salt?

To be fair, at first glance, salt is just salt, and they all go through similar initial processes:

1. filtration
2. evaporation
3. crystallization
4. washing and drying.

However, what sets gourmet salt apart is the meticulous refinement and additional procedures undertaken to ensure its purity. This extra attention to detail transforms each salt crystal into a concentrated burst of flavor, reflecting its unique origin. Gourmet salts exhibit varying tastes and textures due to differences in mineral content and moisture levels. So, while they all start with the same basic steps, it's the refinement and distinct characteristics that make gourmet salt truly exceptional.

But that only make the steak from $21 to $25...NOT $50+!

You know what? When you invest in gourmet salt, you're not just buying some salt - you're getting a taste of the chef's culinary expertise. Back in the day, before all this modern technology and convenience, finding gourmet salt was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. It was an exciting revelation to discover that there are different types of salt, each with its own unique flavor.

Remember those moments on shows like X Factor when Simon Cowell would request contestants to choose a different song to showcase their true talent? Well, it's the same idea here. The chef's ability to choose the right salt for a recipe can be a game-changer. It's like adding a pinch of salty explosion at just the right moment or infusing a subtle and lingering briny taste throughout the entire meal, taking you on a delightful culinary journey. The chef's skill and creativity can make a dish shine like a star or fall flat on its face. Gourmet salt is just one of the magical tools they have up their sleeve, allowing them to create unforgettable culinary experiences that will leave you craving for more.

How Top Chefs Elevate Their Dishes with Salts

1. Steak au Poivre by Gordon Ramsay

   • Gourmet Salt: Maldon Sea Salt
   • Break-down: In this classic dish, Gordon Ramsay uses Maldon Sea Salt as a finishing touch. The delicate, flaky texture of Maldon Salt adds a subtle crunch and a burst of salinity, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the pepper-crusted steak. It helps to enhance the overall taste and provides a satisfying contrast of textures.

2. Chocolate Tart by Dominique Ansel

   • Gourmet Salt: Fleur de Sel
   • Break-down: Dominique Ansel, the renowned pastry chef, often incorporates Fleur de Sel into his chocolate creations. By sprinkling a pinch of Fleur de Sel on top of a decadent chocolate tart, he adds a subtle hint of saltiness that balances the sweetness, intensifies the chocolate flavors, and creates a harmonious taste experience.
3. Poke Bowl by Sam Choy

1. • Gourmet Salt: Red Hawaiian Salt (Alaea Salt)
   • Break-down: Sam Choy, a renowned Hawaiian chef, incorporates Red Hawaiian Salt (Alaea Salt) in his poke bowl recipe. This unique salt, infused with volcanic clay (Alaea), not only adds a distinctive reddish hue but also imparts a subtle earthy flavor to the fresh fish and other ingredients in the poke bowl. It enhances the overall taste, complements the natural flavors of the seafood, and adds an authentic Hawaiian touch to the dish.

I don't want to pay that much to experience all these gourmet salts

 

I 100% agree! These days, we have the incredible opportunity to access a wide array of ingredients online, empowering us to take charge of our culinary journey. I encourage you to do it yourself. After some level of understanding, we can ensure that the steak priced at $50+ is truly worth the splurge and that the $20 salted chocolate truffles are crafted to perfection!

To help you expand your culinary horizons, we've curated a collection of open-face sandwich recipes that showcase the diverse range of gourmet salts from around the world. These recipes will not only tantalize your taste buds but also awaken your palate to new and exciting flavor profiles. Don't miss out—head over to our blog and embark on a culinary adventure with us!

Gourmet Sea Salt Pairing: 2-Ingredients Open-Face Sandwich