Blackthorn Sea Salt: Mineral Balance, Method & Flavour
It takes days for Blackthorn crystals to form. It could be achieved in hours, but we are pretty pedantic about it in terms of sustainability, crystal quality and flavour.
Our gentle sea salt production method helps us to retain all the naturally occurring minerals that the sea offers us. Not only sodium (conventional ‘salt’) but there is also plenty of calcium, potassium, magnesium and, uniquely, those distinctive tannins from our Blackthorn branches. These precious elements bring balance and depth to flavour by enhancing each of the five basic tastes. A character which can prove so allusive yet alluring to us all- the salty, the sweet, the sour, the bitter, and the earthy umami.
From Seawater to Mineral-Rich Sea Salt Flakes
On the Thorn Tower, we sustainably evaporate an impressive 24,000 litres of seawater (3.5% salt) which leaves us with just 2,000 litres of precious brine at approx. 22% salinity. This makes its way to our Pan House — the final stage of our traditional sea salt-making method.
Here, it is gently warmed, and we take great care and time to draw out the precious minerals in Blackthorn Sea Salt Flakes. The crystallisation unfolds gradually:
- Calcium emerges first, enhancing soft, rounded sweetness
- Sodium follows, delivering that clean, unmistakable taste of the sea
- At the end of evaporation, potassium and magnesium introduce subtle sour and bitter notes, adding complexity and balance
- Meanwhile, the salt is imbued with tannins from the blackthorn bark which crucially contribute that deep, savoury umami element Blackthorn Salt has become renown for. This defining characteristic isn’t found in any other salt across the globe.
This careful method ensures that Blackthorn Sea Salt respects and elevates every flavour, allowing them to resonate satisfyingly and leaving an exceptional, moreish taste experience that last well after the final swallow. In short, we demand more from our salt than simply ‘just salt'.
Salt Taste Test: How Different Types of Salt Affect Flavour
If you’re curious, we highly recommend trying a salt taste test using a few different varieties. Simply sprinkle a small amount of Blackthorn Sea Salt Flakes, alongside any other salts you already have in your pantry (rock salt, Himalayan pink salt, fleur de sel, Celtic salt, or other sea salts) — onto a slice of tomato, cucumber, watermelon or dark chocolate. Have a think/compare the results, noting the time the flavour takes to dissipate, what is enhanced and what is muted. It’s amazing the levels of flavour that different salts reveal… of course, don’t forget to sprinkle sparingly and drink plenty of water.
Please let us know how you get on. Sometimes it can be a lightbulb moment that surprises, an everyday condiment really can make all the difference… or not so depending on individual tastebuds, sensitivities and priorities!
