The wild north of Namibia is the territory from which fabulous salt pearls are born, shaped by natural elements. The wind from the surrounding desert pushes the salt crystals to the surface of the "white lake" Etosha, from which a nature reserve takes its name. The crystals concentrate and aggregate, to form real salt pearls which, at first sight, look like snowballs. The hot sun dries these delicious spheres, perfect for seasoning dishes with a light and sophisticated flavour, in a scenographic way.
Namibian salt pearls: features and benefits
The African salt is extremely pure, opalescent white in colour, and represents an unprocessed whole salt. It is rich in mineral salts, free from toxic substances or additives, 100% natural. Its consistency is decisive: the salty pearls are compact, enhancing the coarse grain. The shape of the crystals gives a special sensation, hitting the tongue right away. If the crystals feel sharp at first, they soon crack and dissolve in the mouth. The pearl immediately releases its light, not excessive salinity, to disappear with an aftertaste with almost sweet and "mysterious" nuances. Overall, it is presented on the palate as a balanced salt (round), with iridescent nuances of flavor perfect for seasoning meat and fish in a salt crust, steamed vegetables.
Origins and History of mining
Those who discover these flakes of African salt in the suggestive shape of a pearl might think that they are not natural. On the contrary, they are formed in this way by the action of the wind, which transports, rolls and groups the salt crystals into large "pearls". The climate – the sun and the hot African temperatures – cause the water and any humidity to evaporate, drying out the crystals in a short time. Pearls are formed during the dry season which, with extreme heat, dries out the lake and exposes its saline soil. The lake is located in the Etosha National Park, one of the largest in Namibia; it is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, fabulous for its wild nature. The name means "great white lake", and its size is due to the measures: it extends over about 4800 square kilometers, a gigantic salty and sparkling terrain. The lake-salt pan is created thanks to the wind that blows the salt water from the Namib desert towards the Atlantic Ocean. Pushes crystals by grouping them. The lake soon becomes a carpet of white and tasty pearls. Pearls of variable dimensions are born, but in shape always round, smooth and of an iridescent white colour. These African landscapes, largely uncontaminated, give a very pure salt, harvested in its most authentic state, to arrive on the table in the original spheres. Nutritional values of Namibian salt The pearls contain mostly sodium chloride (about 99.5%), as well as trace elements and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium.
How to use salt pearls in the kitchen
These "jewels" for cooking are made special in different preparations. Its nuances of salty and light flavour, almost slightly "sweet", make it ideal for giving an original touch to various dishes. The crystals crunch slightly, when salt is sprinkled in the final preparation, and melt easily in the mouth. Perfect for salting fish and seafood, with recipes such as sea bass in a salt crust. Or for the final seasoning on meat, for example in sliced beef.
The precious salt pearls are excellent on steamed or grilled vegetables, and in the preparation of focaccia - inserting one or two salt pearls in each hollow. As if they were salt "candies", they can give a surprising consistency to main courses and vegetables. A small amount is enough to obtain a balanced flavour, thanks to the spherical concentration of the salt.
In any course where the salting takes place first, in any case salt pearls are a sophisticated alternative to the usual coarse sea salt. This African salt gives a splendid seal, with its pearls, real round salt flakes for those looking for an effect finish. The most skilled chefs sprinkle it on the final dish, sure to provide taste and beauty in equal measure. From an aesthetic point of view, in the kitchen, African pearl salt is also suitable for sparkling in the salt mill during dinners and lunches.
Namibian salt: side effects and contraindications
Caution is advised in taking salt pearls in case of hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, diseases related to the kidneys and blood vessels. Furthermore, it is advisable to moderate the quantities during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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