Five Flavored Salts

Directions

1. 1
   These salts can be made in about thirty seconds.
2. 2
   Combine 1/4 cup sel gris or other coarse sea salt and 1 teaspoon flavor ingredient (for the Kaffir lime salt, use 2 medium Kaffir lime leaves; I keep a small bag of them in my freezer).
3. 3
   My current favorites are:
4. 4
   MACCHA SALT: Powdered green tea plus salt.
5. 5
   The stunning color bestows an ethereal beauty on foods.
6. 6
   The slightly bitter tea marries beautifully with egg yolks, tofu, onions, and even chocolate.
7. 7
   TANGERINE SALT: Dried pieces of tangerine (or orange) plus salt.
8. 8
   Adds tangy, fruity, citrus notes to food.
9. 9
   Try it sprinkled on roasted chicken, vegetable side dishes (especially beets), light pastas, shrimp, grilled fish, and omelets.
10. 10
    LAVENDER SALT: Dried lavender buds plus salt.
11. 11
    Excellent on lamb (both as a salt rub before cooking and as a sprinkling afterward), salad greens, heirloom tomatoes, and avocados.
12. 12
    Adds a floral, herbaceous touch.
13. 13
    SMOKED PAPRIKA SALT: Smoked, finely powdered paprika and salt.
14. 14
    Use it when you want a smoky, powerful, earthy blast of flavor.
15. 15
    Great on potatoes, fried rice, and grilled meats.
16. 16
    KAFFIR LIME SALT: Leaves of the Kaffir lime tree plus salt.
17. 17
    This salt infuses a Thai-like flowery headiness into dishes.
18. 18
    Works well on poached eggs, seafood, corn on the cob, and steamed rice.