Fleur de sels are primarily made from sodium chloride and calcium carbonate. Although sometimes magnesium sulfate and potassium hydroxide are also added to make the fleur de sel product. The name fleur de sel actually means, ‘of the salt sea.’ This salty product is formed when a piece of calcium carbonate, known as the fleur de sel, is exposed to the warm temperature and pressure of the ocean water. As it evaporates, a thin, pale crust forms on the exposed surface of the seawater.
Fleur de sels are usually harvested by hand, and are made in different sizes and shapes depending upon the size of the crystal. They are often cut into wedges and then shaped like bowlers so that they can easily be sprinkled on foods and into molds for candies, cookies and other dessert items. As mentioned, fleur de sel is an important medicinal salt, which has been used for hundreds of years in the Mediterranean region as an antiseptic and for healing wounds, both superficial and more serious. It was even used by ancient Egyptian pyramids, and its healing properties have been confirmed through historical records.
Today fleur de sel is used for a variety of medical purposes, including topical application for treatment of skin irritations and infections. In fact, there are a great many products on the market today that contain this sea salt in one form or another. These fleur de sel crystals are high in sodium and chloride content, making them extremely salty and antiseptic. However, they are still considered to be relatively new in the market because of their amazing cleansing abilities and medicinal benefits, which makes them very popular with alternative health enthusiasts who want to maintain good health conditions and lifestyles.