Fleur de sel, which means "flower of salt" in French, is an especially valued type of French sea salt known for its smooth flavor and light, crunchy texture.
Unlike regular table salt, which primarily comes from salt mines, sea salt is the result of the evaporation of sea water. Fleur de sel is made up of the crystals that form on the very surface of the salt evaporation ponds. It can take on a gray or pink tinge from minerals or algae. It is sold as large, flat flakes in air-tight containers because the crystals can be slightly moist. Traditional fleur de sel is harvested off the coast of Brittany, though fleur de sel from other regions can be of equally high quality at significantly lower cost.
Fleur de sel, which is available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores, is best for sprinkling over a finished dish just before serving—anything from salads to sandwiches to sweets. It is not suitable for cooking.