Fleur de Sel: From the Ile de Re to the Camargue
High on my list of things to bring home from Paris is fleur de sel.
Yes, I can find it locally, or I can pay a fortune for it online.
But buying it in Paris will no doubt be more economical and the jar or box will be a long-lasting reminder of our trip.
(Can you hear me knocking on wood and praying here. Last time, absolutely nothing went wrong. No lost luggage, no missed trains. A panhandler or two, but no incidents. Please, please let that be the case with this trip.)
I like the fact that much of the salt I find locally comes from the Ile de Re, which is near LaRochelle, birthplace of some of my French ancestors.
I also like when it originates in the Camargue, a place I have never visited, but plan to do so someday (armed with a good deal of organic mosquito repellent).
Fleur de sel, as everyone reading this already knows, is best added at the final moment in the food preparation process. When combined with herbes de Provence, it is an excellent means of both flavoring and wringing excess liquid from aubergines.
It is best used sparingly, too. That way each grain is a gift, an enhancement of flavor.
Do you use sea salt? Where do you find it?
Comments
I really hope I do not have to wait two years between trips next time.
Mary
www.ceresandbacchus.com
Lydia, I will try Zingerman's salt for Portugal. I love Zingerman's, of course.
Mary, 30 pounds? Wow.
Drink some tea for me while you are there!
I have been to the Carmague, and yes, you must go armed with the best mosquito repellant you can find! It's an odd place, I think, and not one I dream of going back to.
When do you leave?
Before bringing it back, I got it from Williams and Sonoma.
Also check out all of the excellent flavored salts available in France -- although my favorite brand is an Italian one!
Pom D'Api, it is one of my dreams to visit the Ile de Re. My husband and I are trying to figure out if we can afford to live in France for a year or so when he retires.
Toni, I leave in two days. Lukcy you! I hope to visit the Camargue, but there is just so darned much I want to experience. That;s why we think living there for a while is best.
Breadchick, I managed to get olives through last time but it was a big fuss at Detroit customs. Sheesh!
Betty, you are correct, I think. I;ll go back and correct my post - what was I thinking?
Thanks to Betty C for pointing it out!
Have a great trip!
You cannot find them in my little town, alas...
Anne
Lucky you, Anne! I would love to visit Ile de Re. My husband and I willhave to bite off one section of France at a time, because I like slow travel. Unless, we can figure out a way to move there.