What is Sea Salt

What Is Sea Salt? Everything You Need to Know About Sea Salt

Salt is one of the oldest and simplest ingredients in the world — yet not all salt is created, harvested, or used in quite the same way.

If you've ever wondered what sea salt is, where it comes from, how it differs from table salt, or why cooks and food lovers reach for sea salt when they want to add flavor and texture, you're in the right place.

At Wildly Salted, we believe salt deserves more attention than simply being something you shake over dinner.

We use the finest Sea Salt harvested from natural pristine crystal pools in the Mediterranean Sea. It naturally has mor minerals and vibrant energy!

What Is Sea Salt?

Sea salt is salt produced through the evaporation of seawater.

Unlike conventional table salt, which is typically mined from underground salt deposits and then heavily processed, sea salt is associated with a much more direct relationship with the ocean: seawater is collected, water is removed, and salt crystals remain.

At Wildly Salted, our salt gets a natural jump start at drying in those natural quartz-crystal pools I mentioned earlier. They’re on the northwest corner of Sicily, in beautiful nature.

The exact appearance, texture and flavor of sea salt can vary depending on where it is harvested and how it is processed.

Some sea salts are fine and delicate. Others have larger crystals, a crunch, or a distinctive natural appearance.

That's part of what makes sea salt so interesting.

How Is Sea Salt Made?

The traditional production of sea salt begins with seawater.

The water is directed into evaporation ponds or other controlled environments where sunlight, wind, and time help remove the water.

As the water evaporates, salt crystals begin to form.

Those crystals can then be harvested, dried and prepared for culinary use.

Modern production methods vary considerably, so the phrase "sea salt" describes a broad category rather than one single product.

Sea Salt vs Table Salt

One of the most common questions people ask is:

What's the difference between sea salt and table salt?

Table salt is only sodium chloride. Sea Salt can have more than 80 different minerals. The production, crystal size, texture and processing can differ also.

Table salt is generally highly refined and commonly contains additives intended to prevent clumping that could be bad for your health. Sea salt can retain a different mineral profile depending on its source and processing.

For cooking, one of the most noticeable differences is often texture and taste. We start with the best at Wildly Salted and then incorporate wild ingredients to add extra flavor and more minerals!

A coarse sea salt can provide a completely different experience from finely ground table salt.

That difference matters when you're seasoning food.

Why Do Chefs Use Sea Salt?

Salt doesn't simply make food taste "salty."

Used carefully, it can enhance the natural flavors of ingredients.

A pinch of salt can bring out sweetness in tomatoes, balance bitterness in vegetables, intensify chocolate, and give roasted meats and vegetables greater depth.

Different crystal sizes can also affect how salt interacts with food.

Fine salt dissolves quickly, while larger crystals can provide bursts of flavor and satisfying texture.

Is Sea Salt Healthy?

Sea salt is still salt, meaning it contains sodium, but not all salts are created equal.

While sodium is an essential nutrient, most people do not need large amounts of it, which is why when using Wildly Salted, you’ll notice you only have to use a little bit to get a great flavor. Wildly Salted is also naturally lower in sodium due to more minerals and the wild ingredients! 

Wildly Salted should therefore be thought of primarily as a culinary ingredient rather than a superfood you can sprinkle on anything to make it healthier and tastier.

What Does Sea Salt Taste Like?

There's no single answer.

Sea salt can vary significantly depending on its origin, processing method and crystal size.

Some varieties have a clean, straightforward saltiness. Others may have subtle mineral notes or a distinctive briny character.

Texture can be just as important as flavor.

A flaky sea salt sprinkled over a finished dish can provide a delicate crunch that finely ground salt simply cannot replicate.

How Should You Use Sea Salt?

Sea salt is incredibly versatile.

Try it on:

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Fresh tomatoes

  • Grilled seafood

  • Steak

  • Eggs

  • Salads

  • Caramel

  • Chocolate desserts

  • Homemade bread

  • Popcorn

  • Pasta

  • Fresh fruit

  • Ice cream?!?

Yes ice cream!

Wildly Salted is particularly useful as a finishing salt because the crystals remain noticeable on the surface of the food.

Why Wildly Salted?

At Wildly Salted, we're interested in salt in all its forms — where it comes from, how it is made, how it behaves in food, and why the right salt can make a surprisingly big difference in the kitchen.

Salt may be simple.

Using it well isn't.

Whether you're exploring sea salt for the first time or you're already passionate about exceptional seasoning, Wildly Salted is here to help you discover a more flavorful side of salt.

Explore the world of salt at WildlySalted.com.