On the road in Europe
from Jens Hoffmann
Mallorca has always fascinated me. The island radiates a very special flair and has a cosmopolitan, elegant charm. The capital of the Balearic Islands is certainly not an insider tip, but nevertheless always worth a visit.
On the way from Palma to the south of the island I see barren fields, beautiful villages and high mountains, followed by more mountains, villages and trees. All this in sheer infinity and vastness. I can hardly get enough of the fauna, the small walls set up like decorations and the painted blue sky. This landscape accompanies me for two days, the longer the journey to the salt flats of Es Trenc takes, the more it conveys a perfect overall picture of Mediterranean culture
Crystal clear sea water and a gentle breeze await me. Here in the south of Mallorca you will find the most beautiful beach of Mallorca and perfect conditions for a table salt that could not be purer in its kind. The Flor de Sal is produced in the salt works of Es Trenc. A culinary treasure that delights every foodie and many star chefs as well.
They all know about the quality of this white gold. The origin of salt production goes back to the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs present in Mallorca. They all dedicated themselves to the "white gold", even though it diminished in the 19th century and the Es Trenc salt works were left fallow for an eternity. Around 1950, however, salt production was resumed.
The salt is obtained by handicraft work, from the collected sea water the crystals of the so-called "salt flower" are skimmed off. In the process, sun and wind ensure that the water warms up and evaporates in various salt pans. Thus, under natural influences, the valuable "Flor de Sal" salt flowers are formed and dried in the sun. The entire process from the sea to these last basins takes a year, after which the seawater has evaporated enough to allow the salt to be processed.
The final product is a natural sea salt that preserves the aroma of the sea and is characterized by a fresh melt and sweetness. It contains a high concentration of potassium, calcium and other trace elements.
A variety of different varieties, refined with aromatic herbs, spices, dried fruits or flowers and other imaginative compositions, ensure a varied enjoyment of this pure natural product.
The various salts are now sold in 30 countries. Also "cross-branded" with products like beautiful butter from Fera, a fine dining restaurant of the same name in Palma. The salt can also be found in Berlin's KaDeWe or at Käfer in Munich.
This article first appeared on www.berliner-umschau.de
