Alaea salt derives its name from the red alaea volcanic clay which the unrefined sea salt is mixed with. It is harvested from Pacific waters using traditional methods of solar evaporation which allows the crystals to form when it is mixed with the Hawaiian volcanic clay. Red alaea salt is processed naturally by hand and is one of the most sought-after natural salts in the world. The salt ponds on the Western side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai are an ancient harvesting place for red alaea salt.
It is this clay which gives it not only its name but its extraordinary red color and it is a valuable source of digestible iron and other trace minerals that are so good for the body. The salt has a fine grain, and you can also purchase it in a course grain. When you buy it in a glass jar it has a shelf life of ten years so you can keep it and use it for a long time after purchase. It may sound strange to eat a crystal salt mixed with clay, but the clay adds no taste or smell to the red alaea salt although it does add a very pleasant flavor to food. It is the Hawaiian clay which enriches the salt with iron-oxide which is a great asset to your health.
Red Alaea Salt Uses
- Originally used by Hawaiians to bless and purify their canoes, tools, temples and homes.
- Hawaiians still use it in healing rituals for medicinal purposes.
- Use it with coconut or olive oil to make a salt scrub to use when showering to keep your skin healthy.
- Drink half-a-teaspoonful every day in a quart of water to purify the body.
- Add to food, gives a unique and pleasant flavor to roast or grilled meats.
Red Salt is good to season the following Hawaiian dishes:
- Kalua pig
- Hawaiian jerky (pipikaula)
- Poke
Benefits of Alaea Salt
Not only is the Red Alaea salt ideal for seasoning food, it has extraordinary nutritional value as it actually encourages a healthy cell fluid balance. It contains vital minerals to improve your health and general disposition including:
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Fluoride
- Iron
- Potassium
- Sodium