The distinctive red soil of Hawaii, called alaea, gives Hawaiian salt its color.
Hawaiian salt, or alaea salt, is a natural, unprocessed sea salt, notable for its dark pinkish color. The salt is harvested by hand and is available in both coarse and fine grain. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Uses
Alaea salt is also popular sprinkled over steak and pork loin.
Traditionally, Hawaiian salt is used to preserve meats such as fish and jerky. It is also a main seasoning in Hawaiian dishes such as poke, an appetizer of raw fish mixed with seaweed and seasonings, and kalua pork, one of the central dishes of the Hawaiian luau.
Alaea Clay
The name "alaea salt" comes from alaea, the red volcanic clay that gives the salt its color. The clay, which is composed of more than 80 minerals, also lends the salt a more mellow flavor than regular table salt.
Traditions
Hawaiian salt is part of many native Hawaiian customs and ceremonies. The salt traditionally is used to bless canoes, tools, homes and temples, and is also used as a cleanser and purifier.
Availability
You can find Hawaiian salt at many gourmet retailers and specialty shops, as well as over the Internet. Online purveyors of Hawaiian salt include Saltworks.us and HawaiiSalt.com.
Black Salt
A black Hawaiian salt is also available at some gourmet shops in Hawaii and on the mainland. The black salt, which is made by mixing sea salt with activated charcoal, is said to have a nutty taste and is sometimes sprinkled over finished dishes for a dramatic effect.
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