Sea Salt FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
This page contains answers to frequently asked questions about natural sea salt and the products created by Maine Sea Salt Company. If you do not find an answer to your question here, please contact the "Salt Man", owner Stephen Cook!
Q. What is sea salt?
All salt originally came from the sea. The salt you use every day was probably mined underground, where an ancient ocean may have evaporated. Mined sea salt has lost much of its original quality. Modern processing has washed the salt of dirt, which also removes much of the trace minerals. Erosion of these minerals may also have occurred over millions of years.
Q. Why should I use sea salt?
Quality sea salt adds texture and flavor. Crystals - coarse or fine, may be applied in creative ways in your cooking. Natural sea salt is free of drying agents, free of chemicals for anti-caking, and without added iodine. Sea salt typically has a higher concentration of trace minerals. (Please consult your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.)
Q. How does Maine Sea Salt Company extract salt from sea water?
Our sea salt is made by evaporating fresh sea water in shallow pools within solar greenhouses. Coarse crystals are formed as the ocean water evaporates, leaving behind pure sea salt crystals.
Q. Why is sea salt moist?
The moisture in sea salt is an indication that it is a natural product. Sea salt attracts moisture from the atmosphere, which is why standard table salt has drying agents added to provide a more free-flowing product. Sea salt does not flow well in a shaker.
Q. Is sea salt organic?
Organic is a label placed on a food product such as vegetables that meet the requirements of an organic standard. These standards are usually designated by a government or trade association. Sea salt can be considered organic if it is produced in a natural way. Beware of some sea salt that has been processed and really isn't much different than table salt. The differences are difficult to distinguish. There is no organic trade association or government label for organic sea salt in the U.S.
Q. Do you use any MSG (monosodium glutamate) in your products?
No. We do not use any artificial flavorings or seasonings.
Q. How can I get a finer grind from my Maine Sea Salt crystals?
We've found that a coffee mill works very well for this purpose and keep a separate coffee mill specifically for grinding salt, herbs, and spices.