What, Exactly, Is Green Salt?

Green salt is like a magic potion for your taste buds — it's packed with flavor, making any dish it touches instantly more interesting. It is a unique seasoning made from samphire, also known as sea asparagus or sea pickle, a slightly bitter, salty succulent that grows along the coastal regions. It has a long history of use in coastal cuisine, and its popularity has grown in recent years. Hand-harvested and dried before being ground down, it is combined with salt and an assortment of herbs and spices to make the versatile green salt.

An excellent substitute for traditional table salt, the other herbs and spices in the mix add depth and complexity to any dish. It is commonly used to season fish dishes and can also be used to season vegetables, as a dry rub for meats, and even in snacks like popcorn. Its unique flavor profile has made it a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike. Michelin star chefs, including Drew Deckman, Jean-Georges, and Javier Plascencia, all love the famous green salt. And it's no wonder why — green salt made from samphire is a delicious way to add a touch of the sea to your cooking.

A New York Times food critic, Florence Fabricant, said of the samphire-based salt, "It's salty enough to use in place of table salt, though it's substantially lower in sodium. It adds a nice touch of vegetal flavor when dusted atop a deviled egg, baked potato or sautéed fish."

As noted, one of the other benefits of green salt besides taste is that it is naturally low in sodium, making it a healthier alternative to table salt. Table salt is often used to enhance food flavor but can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure and is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. This has led many people to look for alternative seasonings. Samphire, the base ingredient of green salt, naturally contains many minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium that are essential for good health and actively help to lower blood pressure. Using this alternative, you can enjoy delicious, flavorful food while maintaining a healthy sodium intake, making it a seasoning that not only adds a unique twist to your dishes but also helps you take care of your health.