Scroll down to bottom of page for a list of trace minerals contained in Brittany Sea Salt

During the earth's formation, the Guérande salt ponds in Brittany, northwestern France, were part of a bay in the  Atlantic Ocean. The gradual retreat of the sea left behind a series of floodable pools. The first written record of a salt marsh concession in Guérande in the north-westernmost region of France dates from the year 854. Salt harvesting became prevalent from the 10th to the 15th centuries and the tradition has been carried on by artisan paludiers using an ancient Celtic method developed 2,000 years ago. By the Middle Ages, the ocean had tried to reclaim its territory, but man had already modeled the landscape to extract  the "white gold". Between 1540 and 1660, the salt pond area was definitively established and salt from Guérande was in great demand and was sent to the four corners of the globe. 
A gigantic mosaic of salt ponds, the Guérande peninsula retains and subdues the ocean's tides. The twofold action of the sun and the wind bring into existence sea salt, a completely natural and unprocessed source of trace elements and taste. 

"GROS SEL" or Coarse Gray Sea Salt
 These salt crystals are formed on the bottom 
of the salt pond. Using a large rake-like tool, 
the salt gatherer detaches the crystals which 
he will eventually haul out of the water and 
pile into a pyramid shape to dry. Each salt pond section can produce approximately 50 kg per day. We recommend coarse gray Guérande salt as a   replacement
 for ordinary table salt in cooking in order to add more trace minerals to your diet and reduce the consumption of sodium chloride.

FLEUR DE SEL 
When the wind in Guérande  blows from the east, fine crystals 
form on the surface of  the salt pond, forming
"fleur de sel" or literally, "the flower of salt". 
This is the very top of the line, the best salt on 
the planet. Several grains suffice for flavoring 
an individual serving. When harvested, fleur de sel 
is pale pink in color.  It becomes white after drying naturally in the sun. The salt gatherer harvests it 
with a  special rake. Only 1 kg is produced for 
every 80 kg of coarse sea salt.

Fleur de sel, with its subtle taste of violets, is wonderful used at the table to replace ordinary 
table salt.

Salt gatherer harvesting coarse gray sea salt

Fleur de Sel forming on the surface of the salt pond

GUERANDE SEA SALT ANALYSIS for Brittany Sea Salt

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