This salt is probably one of the most unusual salts on the market today. Its colour is not caused by a specific mineral. It’s extracted from a salt mine in the northern province of Semman in Iran. The intriguing blue colour occurs during the forming of the salt’s crystalline structure, as intense pressure is exerted on the salt deposits. The individual crystals fracture the light in an unusual way and the resulting blue (which is caused by an optical illusion), becomes visible. This same blue effect can be seen in compressed glacier ice. Its flavour is described as an initial bold taste, but quickly becomes mild and pleasant. It is generally regarded as a dessert salt, example Caramel Sauce with ice cream. However it can be used in fois gras, truffle dishes, seafood, and meat dishes.
Name:
Persian Blue
Description:
Coarse or fine grind
Country of Origin:
Iran
Extra Mineral/Content:
Persian Rock Salt, trace minerals
Possible Health Benefits:
Due to its concentrated flavour less salt is required
While sea salt has become popular in today’s culinary dishes the term rock salt might be more associated with melting ice on our roads and sidewalks. How is culinary rock salt different from what we use on roads? Rock salt is mined directly from the ground unlike sea salt that comes from the ocean or underground lake bed. The rock salt that is found on roads is often much coarser and large toxic rock particles/impurities have not been removed. Culinary rock salt is finer ground and toxic impurities are removed. For cooking, always buy food-grade culinary rock salt in your grocery store. Never use road rock salt found in a hardware store for any food dish.
