In various locations the coastline of Messinia emerges with porous, rough, volcanic surfaces creating caves, hidden fountains which wake up with stronger waves and natural basins which capture sea shells.
It is a sea water which reshapes them over the ages and which gets captured in their concavities. During hot summer months the water evaporates leaving behind the salt that was dissolved in it. As the water evaporates, most of the salt precipitates out on the bottom of the of the basins and is collected as sea salt.
In some locations, such as Saint Nicholas harbor near Marathopolis, the locals have carved passages leading the water to travel further away from the tumultous shores securing a more abundant salt harvest. During the sunset the rocks turn from grey to black…
If done with diligence it is also possible to collect the superior quality of salt called fleur de sel (flor de sal or άνθος της θάλασσας) when salt crystals float on the surface of the water, forming a delicate crust of intricate pyramidal crystals.
The harvesting is done by hand, the salt crystals will form in a range of shapes and sizes. 
- You may choose to grind the sea salt to a finer texture. You can use a salt grinder for this purpose.
- Enjoy the salt by tasting it plain or using it in your everyday cooking.
Wed, September 20, 2017Messinia, Traditional Greek recipes, Traditions
