Celtic Salt vs Sea Salt: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been wondering about the difference between Celtic salt vs sea salt, we’re here to answer your questions. These two types of salt are often compared, especially in terms of how they’re processed and the minerals they contain. Understanding how they differ can help you choose the right option for your overall diet and health.

In this blog, we’ll look at what Celtic salt and sea salt are and where they come from. We’ll also explore the different ways they’re used and what to consider when choosing between them.

Celtic Salt vs Sea Salt: Differences in Harvesting Methods

Celtic salt is a type of unrefined sea salt traditionally associated with the salt marshes of France. It is often referred to as sel gris, meaning “grey salt” in French. Traditional Celtic sea salt is harvested from clay-lined salt ponds, a method that helps retain trace minerals and moisture. This is what results in its grey colour.

Sea salt, on the other hand, refers to salt produced by evaporating seawater or saltwater, as opposed to mining rock salt from underground deposits. Sea salt can come from coastal regions around the world, including France, the Mediterranean, Hawaiʻi, and New Zealand.

Where Does Celtic Salt Come From?

Traditional Celtic salt comes primarily from the coastal salt marshes of northwestern France. Salt farmers use traditional tools to gather salt from shallow clay ponds. Seawater flows into these ponds, and as the water evaporates, salt crystals form. These crystals are then collected from the ponds, which contributes to the salt’s characteristic grey colour and leaves it with a naturally moist texture.

How Do Celtic Salt and Sea Salt Differ?

Both Celtic salt and sea salt come from seawater, but they can differ in terms of where they are produced and how they are harvested and processed.

Processing and Refinement

Sea salt can go through different levels of processing. Some products are minimally processed, while others may be washed, dried, ground, or refined to produce a more uniform texture. Rather than being refined in this manner, Celtic salt is traditionally harvested straight from salt ponds and minimally processed.

Mineral Content

Celtic salt retains more naturally occurring trace minerals compared to refined salt. These can include:

• Magnesium: Involved in normal muscle and nerve function
• Potassium: Involved in fluid and electrolyte balance
• Calcium: Important for bone health
• Other essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and copper, present in varying amounts

Refined salt primarily consists of sodium chloride, with most naturally occurring trace minerals removed during processing. Some manufacturers add iodine after refining. Such iodised salt can be an important dietary source of iodine.

Sodium Content

Because Celtic salt contains more moisture, its sodium content by weight can differ from that of refined salt. This difference is relatively small and does not make Celtic salt a low-sodium option. Sea salt and table salt contain comparable amounts of sodium by weight.

Texture

Celtic salt has a rough, irregular texture. This makes it well-suited to finishing dishes and cooking where texture matters. Sea salt, on the other hand, is available in a wider range of grain sizes. Fine sea salt dissolves quickly and is often preferred for baking or recipes that require precise measurements.

Flavour

Celtic salt can have a mildly briny taste, sometimes with a more mineral or subtle earthy character than refined salt. Its flavour can vary depending on where it is sourced and how it is processed, as the amounts of naturally occurring minerals and other trace components can differ. Sea salt can vary similarly. Refined salt generally has a cleaner, more straightforward salty taste because it is predominantly sodium chloride.

Colour and Appearance

The grey colour of traditional Celtic salt comes from being harvested from the bottoms of clay-lined salt ponds and undergoing minimal processing. Standard sea salt can range from white to off-white or grey, depending on its source and level of processing.

Celtic Salt vs Sea Salt: Side-by-Side Comparison

Common Uses of Celtic Salt vs Sea Salt

Both types of salt have a range of uses in cooking and food preparation.

Celtic salt works well for:

• Finishing cooked meats, vegetables, and eggs
• Salting pasta or boiling water
• Cooking where a coarse salt is suitable
• Pickling and preserving, where salt is used as part of the recipe or preservation method 
• Body scrubs and bath soaks

Standard sea salt is commonly used for:

• Baking, especially when a fine grain is needed for even mixing and consistent measurements
• Recipes requiring fine salt that dissolves evenly
• Everyday seasoning

How To Choose the Right Option

For everyday cooking, both Celtic salt and sea salt can be suitable choices. The better option depends on the type of salt you prefer, including its texture, flavour, and level of processing.

Celtic salt is suitable for those who prefer a minimally processed salt with a rough texture and naturally occurring trace minerals. On the other hand, sea salt is suitable for those preferring a fine texture and a more delicate flavour.

It is important to note that Celtic salt is generally not iodised unless the product specifically states that iodine has been added. Other specialty salts, including some sea salts, may contain little or no iodine. Check the product label to confirm whether iodine has been added. For those managing sodium intake or a health condition affected by salt, it is best to discuss with a health professional before making changes to your diet.

Celtic Salt vs Sea Salt: A Summary

The main differences between Celtic salt vs sea salt come from how the salt is harvested and processed. If you prefer a less processed salt with a coarse texture and naturally occurring trace minerals, Celtic salt may suit you. If you prefer salt with specific textures and grain sizes, sea salt gives you more options.

At NZ Health Store, we stock a range of quality Celtic salt products. Browse our Celtic salt range and find an option that suits your kitchen and lifestyle.