Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt Review
Sea salt has a long-standing reputation as a culinary treasure, prized for its unique taste, texture, and mineral richness. Unlike regular table salt, sea salt is harvested from evaporated seawater, resulting in a more natural product that varies in flavor and texture depending on its origin. From coarse to flaky varieties, sea salt offers something special for every dish and palate.
When I first heard about Saltverk, a company producing Icelandic sea salt, I was intrigued by their use of geothermal energy and their commitment to sustainability. Today, I am excited to share my honest (as always) Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt review and help you determine whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your kitchen.
Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt Review
When I first learned about Saltverk, I was intrigued by their story. Indeed, they said they harvested their sea salt from the pristine clean seawater of the Westfjords of Iceland. Plus, they used geothermal hot springs to power their carbon-neutral production process. This will appeal to anyone who values eco-conscious products with minimal carbon footprint on the environment.
Additionally, Saltverk described their Flaky Sea Salt as having a bold rich flavor, crunchy mineral-rich texture, and a potential to elevate the dishes you cook.
After learning more about their unique approach and receiving their heavy metal test reports (discussed below), I decided to give Saltverk’s flaky sea salt a try. I’ve also sampled their other products, including Arctic Thyme Salt and Seaweed Salt, each bringing unique tasting notes to my cooking. However, I settled into using their plain flaky sea salt due to its versatility.
What Is Flaky Sea Salt?
To begin, flaky sea salt is known for its thin, delicate, and irregular salt flakes. Unlike coarse sea salt, which has a more granular texture, flaky sea salt dissolves easily and provides a satisfying crunch when used as a finishing salt. What makes flaky sea salt unique is its production process, often involving careful evaporation techniques that preserve its natural mineral content.
Further, Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt is a crunchy mineral-rich sea salt with clean, pure flavor imparted by Iceland’s pristine seawater. The sea salt retains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which enhance its distinctive taste and texture. Although we use a water filter that preserves beneficial minerals, I still add a pinch of sea salt to my drinking water for an extra mineral boost.
Is Coarse Sea Salt The Same As Flaky Sea Salt?
No, coarse sea salt and flaky sea salt are not the same. Specifically, coarse sea salt has a more granular, pebble-like structure, making it ideal for salt grinders and applications where a longer-lasting crunch is desired. Flaky sea salt, on the other hand, consists of thin, delicate layers of salt that provide a light, crisp texture and dissolve more easily. Oftentimes, you use flaky sea salt as a finishing salt to highlight the flavors of dishes, while coarse salt is for use during cooking or brining.
Saltverk Salt Review
For starters, Salverk sea salt comes in small jars made of glass. In addition to flaky sea salt, the company offers the following kinds of salt:
- Birch Smoked Salt
- Lava Salt
- Arctic Thyme Salt
- Seaweed Salt, and
- Licorice Salt.
I have tried some of them and liked the various tasting notes. In this review, though, I am focusing on Salverk Flaky Sea Salt, namely on its:
- mineral content
- heavy metal content
- texture and crunch
- sustainability, and
- flavor and pairings.
Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt Mineral Content
First, one of the standout features of Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt is its mineral content, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium which contribute to its distinctive taste and texture.
Derived from Icelandic seawater, this salt is mineral-rich, adding depth and complexity to the dishes you cook. I noticed a pure, clean flavor with no bitterness—a testament to the pristine clean seawater of the Nordic region.
Heavy Metal Content
Second, because salt comes from the oceans, it may contain residues of heavy metals. That’s why I was glad to know that this sea salt comes from the Nordic region, the least polluted geographic area of the Earth.
To help determine whether heavy metals amounts in the product are significant, let’s turn to the strictest limits set by California Proposition 65:
- lead for reproductive toxicity: 0.5 mcg/day
- lead for cancer: 15 mcg/day
- cadmium: 4.1 mcg/day
- arsenic: 10 mcg/day
According to the heavy metal test report I received from the Saltverk company, the levels of heavy metals in their salt are as follows:
- lead: 0.0301 mg/kg
- cadmium: <0.004 mg/kg
- mercury: <0.007 mg/kg
- arsenic: <0.06 mg/kg
To clarify, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic levels are insignificant. As for lead, its level is the best I have seen in salt so far. Thus, consumption of 16 grams a day still won’t exceed a daily CA Prop. 65’s trigger level for reproductive toxicity (0.5 mcg/day).
Also note that I don’t think it’s fair to compare the heavy metal levels in salt to those in baby food. Indeed, there is an obvious difference in the amounts of food typically consumed by babies versus small quantities of salt used occasionally. To clarify, adults typically consume about 5 grams of salt a day, while babies eat around 120 grams of food, which is 24 times more.
If you are interested in the subject of heavy metals in makeup, please head over to my blog post Makeup Contains Heavy Metals: Myth Or Reality?.
Texture & Crunch
Third, the texture of Saltverk’s flaky sea salt is unmatched. The salt flakes are light, airy, and provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the tasting experience of any dish. Whether sprinkled on roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or even a chocolate dessert, the crunchy mineral-rich flakes bring a gourmet touch.
Sustainability
Next, one of the product details is the production process that sets Saltverk apart. By utilizing geothermal energy from Iceland’s geothermal hot springs, they achieve a carbon-neutral footprint while producing a high-quality product. Hence, knowing that the salt is crafted with care for the environment adds to its appeal.
Historically, salt production in Iceland using geothermal energy began in the 18th century under the Danish king. Though it ceased after a few decades, Saltverk revived the tradition in 2011. Committed to sustainable, hand-harvested salt, Saltverk now supplies top restaurants and home kitchens with high-quality products.
Flavor & Pairings
According to the website, Saltverk flaky sea salt’s key descriptors are pure, pristine, and bold. Indeed, the salt boasts bold rich flavor and versatile pairings. I believe it enhances the natural flavors of dishes without overpowering them.
You can use this salt for cooking, brining, curing, finishing, and everything in between. From savory pairings recipes like steak and seafood to sweet pairings like salted caramel or chocolate, its tasting notes are exceptional. You can find a great many fun and tasty recipes on the Saltverk website.
Where To Buy Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt
If you’re ready to try Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt, here are some options for purchasing:
- Saltverk website
- The shop listing on my website
- Amazon (For your information, 2 times out of 3 I ordered this sea salt from Amazon, most glass jars came completely shattered because there was no insulation between them.) Therefore, I recommend purchasing from the company’s website.
Conclusion: Is Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt Good For You?
With Its Crunchy Texture, Mineral-Rich Composition, And Clean, Bold Flavor, Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt Is A Standout Choice For Anyone Looking To Elevate Their Cooking.
In conclusion, Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt brings together tradition, sustainability, and exceptional quality in every flake. Whether you’re drawn to its eco-friendly production or its ability to transform the dishes you cook, this Icelandic sea salt is worth a place in your kitchen.
Indeed, Saltverk embodies a passion for food, sustainability, and Icelandic heritage, crafting a carbon-neutral sea salt using geothermal energy and pristine Icelandic seawater. With its bold, mineral-rich flavor and delicate flake texture, Saltverk sea salt elevates every dish—whether for cooking, brining, curing, or finishing. Once you try it, nothing else compares.
I have been using Saltverk Sea Salt for years now, and I do not want to switch to any other product. The 3.17 oz (90 g) glass jar lasts our family of three a month or so. I wish the jars were bigger. The company also offers gift sets, and I believe it’s a great holiday gift, especially for someone who is into cooking.
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