The History of Alaea Sea Salt and Best Uses

My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt is a unique and flavorful salt that is traditionally used in Hawaiian cuisine. The salt is made by mixing sea salt with a red clay called Alaea, which is rich in iron oxide. This gives the salt its distinctive red color and imparts a subtle, earthy flavor.

The history of Alaea sea salt dates back to ancient Hawaii, where it was used for both culinary and ceremonial purposes. In ancient Hawaii, Alaea sea salt was believed to have spiritual and healing properties and was used in religious ceremonies and rituals. Today, it is widely used in Hawaiian cuisine, particularly in dishes such as poke, a popular raw fish salad.

How is Alaea sea salt harvested? 

My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt is a premium, hand-harvested salt that is made using traditional Hawaiian methods. The process of harvesting My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt begins by collecting seawater from the Pacific Ocean. The seawater is then directed into large, shallow ponds called "Salt Pans." These salt pans are carefully maintained to ensure that the conditions are ideal for evaporation. The sun and wind work together to evaporate the water, leaving behind the salt crystals.

Once the salt has been harvested, it is then mixed with the red Alaea clay. The clay gives the salt its distinctive color and flavor. The clay is rich in iron oxide, which gives the salt its red color, and also contains other minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals give the salt its unique flavor and nutritional profile. The Alaea clay is carefully sourced from specific locations on the island, and it is traditionally harvested by hand.

The Alaea clay is then sun-dried for several days before being mixed with the salt. Once the clay and salt have been mixed together, the mixture is then put into large drums and tumbled for several hours. This process evenly distributes the clay throughout the salt, resulting in a consistent color and flavor.

My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt is then placed in the sun to dry. This final step removes any remaining moisture and ensures that the salt is completely dry before it is packaged. The salt is then hand-packed into jars or bags, making sure that each jar contains the right amount of clay to ensure a consistent flavor and color.

The care and attention to detail that goes into creating My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt is evident in the final product. The salt is not only delicious but also nutritious, it's a great way to enhance the flavor of your dishes and add a touch of Hawaiian culture to your meals. 

Potential Health Benefits

This combination of sea salt and clay gives Alaea sea salt some unique properties and potential health benefits.

• Rich in minerals: Alaea sea salt is known to be rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium which are essential for maintaining good health.

• Detoxifying properties: The red clay present in Alaea sea salt is believed to have detoxifying properties. It can help to remove toxins from the body and promote overall health.

• Aids in digestion: The mineral content in Alaea sea salt can also help to improve digestion by promoting the production of stomach acid and enzymes.

• Supports skin health: The minerals present in Alaea sea salt can also help to improve the appearance of skin, hair and nails.

• Reduces inflammation: The minerals present in Alaea sea salt can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to improve overall health.

It's also worth mentioning that Alaea sea salt is minimally processed and does not contain any additives or chemicals, which makes it a healthier option than table salt.

One of the best uses for Alaea sea salt is as a finishing salt. Its unique flavor and color make it a perfect finishing touch for dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. It can also be used as a rub for meats and seafood before grilling, roasting, or smoking, giving them a unique and flavorful crust. Additionally, it is also great to use in marinades, dressings and sauces, soups and stews, and even in baking recipes.

Grilled Hawaiian-Style Ribeye Steak with Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 oz) ribeye steaks
• 2 tbsp. My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt
• 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vegetable oil.

2. Rub the mixture all over the steaks, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. In another small bowl, mix together the pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.

4. Preheat the grill to high heat.

5. Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.

6. Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.

7. Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with the pineapple salsa on top.

This recipe for Grilled Hawaiian-Style Ribeye Steak with Pineapple Salsa is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a flavorful steak with a tropical twist. The Alaea sea salt and pineapple salsa work together to create a sweet and savory flavor profile that is perfect for summer grilling. The pineapple salsa can also be served as a topping on other grilled meats or fish, so you can enjoy the flavor all year round!

My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes to enhance their flavor and add a touch of Hawaiian-style. Whether you are grilling meats, roasting vegetables, or making a marinade or dressing, this unique salt will bring an authentic taste of the island to your cooking. Our Alaea sea salt is a perfect way to elevate your cooking and impress your guests.

My Fabulous Food's Alaea sea salt is a part of The Luxe Collection.  It comes in a gorgeous patented violet glass jar.  Click here to purchase this beautiful salt.