fleur de sel

Definition

Floating salt crystals skimmed from the surface of evaporation ponds, used in cooking.

Etymology

Borrowed from French fleur de sel (literally “salt flower, salt blossom”).

Example Sentences

• "Egyptian salt from Alexandria was highly appreciated, especially their fleur de sel, the light crystals skimmed off the surface of the water."
• "Fleur de sel is less bitter than regular sea salt, they say, because it has very little magnesium."