Everything About Maldon Salt

Why do Chefs Use Maldon Salt & Why is it so Special?

Chef Taylor Knapp

When it comes to seasoning in high-end restaurants, there are a few names that come to mind quite like Maldon.

Over the years, it has become the go-to for chefs when they’re looking for a seasoning salt with exquisite flavor, texture, and consistency. The salt has been around for over a century, but it seems its popularity only grows each year.

Once only available to chefs and fancy dining establishments, you can now easily find Maldon at your local grocery store, for use in your home cooking.

What is Maldon Salt?

Four generations of the Osborne family have been hand harvesting the naturally formed pyramid crystals that have become Maldon’s signature for a century. They’re not just custodians of an ancient culinary tradition but also creators of a brand that’s recognized the world over.

Maldon Salt is made in Essex County England, in the town of Maldon, by the Maldon Crystal Salt Company. They’ve been making this world-class salt here for a long time – since 1882! The techniques they’ve been using have been passed down for four generations, and the company still remains in the original family. This salt is also one-of-a-kind best sea salt like Blue Persian Salt

Let’s dive into what makes Maldon so special.

What is so special about Maldon Salt?

Maldon salt is made like no other Finishing Salts. There’s an art in temperature and timing. A slow warmth uncovering the water’s secret, with skilled hands poised over every batch. Traditional methods and time-honored techniques passed down through the centuries make Maldon salt unique.

To make the salt, seawater is taken from estuaries. In situations of prolonged rainy weather, during which the estuaries are more filled with fresh water coming down to the sea than saltwater lapping in, they have to send barges out to bring seawater in.

This kind of weather explains why from time to time salt will be hard to find in stores. Dry weather is good, as then the salt content in the estuaries will be high. The water is filtered, then put into large salt pans the size of several bathtubs put together. The pans are heated to a boil, then the heat is reduced. Crystals form and drop to the bottom of the salt pans.

About 16 hours later, the crystals will float back up to the top, at which point the heat is turned off. The pans are allowed to cool overnight. Then in the morning, the salt is raked off the top. It is allowed to drain for 2 days, then it is dried in an oven.

The salt itself comes in large, thin, uneven, crunchy flakes with a very clean, pure salt flavor. Because of its large size, it’s primarily meant to be used as a finishing salt. However, the flakes do melt quite well despite their size. So if it crumbles, it can be used to season food as it's cooking.

Why do chefs use Maldon Salt?

Uses of Maldon Salt

Image source: Image by v.ivash on Freepik

Maldon Salt is a highly versatile ingredient that can be used at any point in the cooking process. Simply pinch between your finger and thumb and crumble over your food. Maldon Salt’s irregular and distinctive pyramid shape is what makes it so special. In addition to the unique tactile texture, our pyramid salt flakes release saltiness with sweet precision, bringing a clean and delicate flavor.

This gourmet flake salt is ideal for use in cooking and baking, and as a garnishing salt for fish and vegetable dishes. The delicate crystals can be crushed in the fingers to make a finer-grained salt. Or the whole crystals can be used for a toothsome crunch. Use it to top a slice of rare, seared beef or add some texture to a caramelized sea scallop. It also works wonderfully on pastries. Like a savory spanakopita or a rich dark chocolate mousse.

Maldon is an exquisite seasoning that no chef or home cook should go without. It’s a simple item to have stocked in your pantry, and you’ll find that the more you use it, the more you’ll grow to love it. The uses for salt are boundless. In fact, you may start coming up with dishes just so you can use your Maldon! Get cooking!

Top reasons to use Maldon Salt?

Top reasons to use Maldon SaltImage source: Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

There are numerous salts present on this continent for making a wow-worthy dish. The range of flavors, textures, and types has exploded in the salt industry. But hardly much salt carries the regal value as Maldon salts.

A pinch of the perfect seasoning can change an average dish into something remarkable. It's a staple that goes well with any midweek meal.

Maldon sea salt flakes can be used in an infinite number of ways.

Refine Sodium Intake:

An important reason for using Maldon salt is to refine your sodium intake. Only a pinch of it is enough to accentuate and season your dishes' flavor. It is whole worthy to satisfy your salt cravings. Ditch your table salt right away with Maldon salt.

To Preserve Food:

You can use Maldon sea salt to preserve your food. It means that your meal retains moisture and does not overdo it. It makes sure all the delicious juices and flavors are retained in your dishes.

Flavoring to your dishes:

Maldon sea salt is an extremely versatile ingredient in seasoning your everyday cooking. It heightens the flavor in a recipe and suppresses the bitter flavor.

We've spruced up some family favorites for you here. All of the dishes have a good pinch of Maldon salt present. Let’s learn how to use Maldon salt to make crowd-pleasing recipes.

For a flavorful salad bowl:

Toss a pinch of Maldon salt in your salad for a clean flavor and crunchy texture. This salt can also be added to grilled meats and sautéed veggies.

To prepare your Morning breakfast:

Maldon salt complements omelets and scrambled eggs. You can also sprinkle some on your avocado toast for a nice crunch.

Add to your dessert:

For an unusual use of Maldon, try adding it to your favorite sweet treat. This salt goes well with chocolate, butterscotch, and caramel. It brings a nice flavor to your sweet dishes.

On Baked Goods:

For a pleasant accent, sprinkle a pinch on freshly baked brownies or cookies.

A finishing touch to your drinks:

Adding Maldon salt to the rim of your cocktail glass while serving Bloody Marys or Margaritas is a classy finishing touch for your cocktails.

Brighten up your Dining:

Maldon salt can also be used to season your roasted asparagus. This combo is perfect for adding lively flavor to your meal preparation.

Cod with Maldon Sea Salt:

This recipe for cod with Maldon sea salt is incredibly easy to make. First, sprinkle some Maldon Sea Salt over peeled and deboned cod filets. Next, let it sit for 45 minutes before rinsing.

After that, poach the cod in milk for about 6 minutes while seasoning with thyme and bay leaf. Now serve this Cod recipe with a vinaigrette made with tomatoes and thyme.

A delightful addition to your charcuterie board:

Here's a quick and easy recipe for spiced and candied walnuts. First, in a pan take some coconut oil and butter. Then add some brown sugar and walnuts. Add the cayenne, rosemary, pepper, and Maldon Sea Salt after that. Stir them all together for a few minutes. Your snack is ready. These will go perfectly with your charcuterie board, with a glass of wine on the side.

In making an easy Avocado Dip for your Tortilla Chips:
For this, you need half a ripe avocado, one-fourth finely sliced red onion, 3 sprigs cilantro, half lime, and 4 finely chopped cherry tomatoes. Mix them all together. Now add a few drops of tabasco and lastly Maldon salt to accentuate the taste.

Prepare a festive holiday appetizer:

Try this recipe at home for the upcoming holiday season. It's a simple way to get started. This recipe calls for 100 grams of nicely poached fish, chopped finely. Then, prepare the sauce to go with it. Combine mayo, Greek yogurt, ketchup, tobassaco, and a dash of whiskey. Mix it thoroughly. Add half an avocado, cilantro, and paprika. Place some arugula in a retro glass and drizzle with olive oil. Maldon salt can be sprinkled over the top for extra flavor. Your fish appetizer is ready to serve.

Mixed Nut Mélange with Maldon salt:

Assorted unsalted nuts are required for preparation. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F in a preheated oven. Then, combine the roasted nuts with fresh rosemary leaves, cayenne pepper, and dark brown sugar. Finally, add the hero of this recipe: Maldon sea salt. Now toss the mixture with seasoned butter. Enjoy your mixed nut melange with Maldon Salt!.


And that’s how you can use Maldon sea salt in a variety of dishes. All 11 recipes share the flavor and texture of the salt. This is necessary to ensure that it cuts through the richness of each recipe without changing the essential ingredient itself. This salt's pyramid-shaped flakes give any meal you create a whole new dimension of flavor. That is why chefs all over the world adore Maldon salt, as do we. Give it a try today!

For more recipes like this or to find more details about Maldon Sea Salt, visit: https://www.lafayettespices.com/