As we gear up for the holiday season of cooking and gifting, we celebrate the salt marshes of Guérande, Brittany, where both our Fleur de Sel and Sel Gris are hand-harvested using centuries-old traditions. While Fleur de Sel may steal the spotlight for its delicate finish, Sel Gris is the bold, mineral-rich workhorse of the kitchen, and it deserves its own moment.
So, what is Sel Gris?
Also known as “grey salt” or Sel Marin, Sel Gris is harvested from the bottom of the salt pans after seawater evaporates. Its pale grey color comes from the clay lining of the salt marshes, which infuses the salt with natural minerals. Unlike Fleur de Sel, which forms only under precise conditions on the surface, Sel Gris develops consistently and has a moist, coarse texture with a slightly briny, earthy flavor.
Think of Sel Gris as your everyday kitchen staple, one that’s anything but ordinary.
Why Cooks Love Sel Gris
Sel Gris is versatile. Its grainier texture and deeper flavor make it ideal for cooking rather than finishing. It holds up beautifully in high-heat applications, imparts a richness that table salt just can’t replicate, and brings depth to simple ingredients.
And with our infused Sel Gris (Sel Marin) blends, like Herbed, Fennel, and Peppercorn, you can take your seasoning game even further.
Our Favorite Ways to Use Sel Gris
(and Our Flavored Varieties!)
Herbed Sel Gris
Fragrant with thyme, rosemary, and other provencal herbs, this blend is perfect for:
Roast chicken: Rub a little olive oil and our Sel Marin with Aromatic Herbs before baking for a deeply flavorful skin.
Salmon: Baked or pan-seared with a sprinkle for aromatic richness.
Potatoes: Roasted, mashed, or smashed, they all shine with this herbaceous twist.
Eggs: From soft-scrambled to frittatas, just a pinch goes a long way.
Fennel with Citrus
With orange peel and fennel seeds, this blend is surprisingly versatile:
White fish like cod or halibut: The orange peel enhances the delicate flavors.
Roasted sprouts: Add a layer of complexity to fall veggies.
Cooking grains: Stir into water when making quinoa, rice, or couscous instead of broth for a deeper, more fragrant base.
Peppercorn with Baies Roses
Spicy and savory, this is your boldest go-to:
Salad dressing: Just vinegar, olive oil, and peppercorn salt= clean and punchy
Grilled or Roasted meats: Perfect for pork, steak, or even tuna or swordfish steaks
Popcorn: Toss with olive oil (and a little Parmesan!) for a Cacio e Pepe-style snack
Sel Gris brings a rustic elegance to every dish. Whether you’re slow-roasting Sunday dinner or making a quick weeknight bowl of grains, it gives ingredients the grounding flavor they deserve.
Explore our collection and bring home the taste of Guérande. All of its aromatic variations await.
Shop our Sel Marin series and our infused blends now.