Sel de Guérande and my cupboard full of secrets
Sel de Guérande aux Algues
About a month ago, maybe more actually, I bought this salt at some exhibition on the east side of Paris. I was enthused when I saw it for two reasons:
Firstly, because its Sel de Guérande. Right from the salt marshes of Brittany.
Secondly, it was the salt that was used in those strange but yummy caramels I had bought way back when I first moved to Paris and experienced my first taste of salted butter caramels. I hadn't realized at the time that I had bought the algae version until I tasted them, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were.
So, I bought this salt (250g for less than 2 euros) and felt pretty satisfied that the collection of foods in my kitchen cupboard was starting to look pretty impressive. I don't even care that I'm the only one really impressed by it. I realize that everyone here probably has the same stuff in their cupboards as I do.
But time has been passing, and the salt has been sitting there, serving no other purpose but looking pretty. So one day a few weeks ago I finally opened it and stuck my nose in the bag. They aren't kidding about the algae thing. I was suddenly transported to a dirty beach, of which I remember many from my life in and around Toronto. If you are looking for a shopping cart to call your own you are sure to find one there. But when a smell transports you somewhere in memory, you hope for something a bit more pleasant.
Needless to say, I twist-tied that bag shut at mach speed and set it right back on the shelf-- label out so it could continue to impress me. But then the guilt began to set in again. Once the smell test has been done, a girl has to move on. Use or lose it as they say.
But a few weeks later, I still haven't tried it. Of course, as you can see by the label, they suggest using it in bouillons, on fish or on vegetables. Seems easy enough. But still, for some strange reason, I resist. And I know that when I finally do try it, I'll probably love it and I'll kick myself for being such a wimp.
But I had to come clean. I had to get this off my chest and tell you that sometimes I buy things and then I'm not as brave or experimental as I like to think I am. I hope you still respect me. I'm really not such a bad person. And if you are starting to doubt my character, remember that I do have a pretty impressive cupboard full of stuff. So there.
Sel de Guérande official website
Sel de Guérande at Amazon
Labels: Paris, specialty food products
posted by Michèle at 11:05 AM
14 Comments:
It's a nice photo :)
Must admit that when you bought it (yeah, I was there!) I thought you brave. Maybe you could sprinkle a little on some cooked bulgur for a try. At least you wouldn't be risking an entire meal.
And as far as I'm concerned, coming clean is better than hiding in the closet, no matter what!
We still love you! To be honest, I wouldn't be that brave either. But hey it's the thought that counts, right?
sounds pretty potent! when you said that it transported to you onto a dirty beach, I was rolling on the floor! and don't worry, I buy things that I end up not using a lot too.
Kat
LOL - alot! Living in Toronto I know just the smell you're talking about and frankly, I'd back away from it too.
Thanks for sharing the story.
Well, you got it out of the bag and braved the smell long enough to take a photo for your blog (before swiftly returning it to the cupboard)! (?! Nice photo) Like Alisa, I hope you use it. It's probably excellent, as you say. But for now I guess it serves the purpose of making you feel good about being in Paris and spending money on pretty gourmet products. (Maybe I'm really just jealous!)
I always thought you were on the sweet side, now I see you're salty.
Must be all that tropical air you're craving. Or detoxing from all the booze.
Alisa, Im not sure I could bear to dirty beach my bulghur.. you know I loves me my bulghur. But you're right, I'll have to start small and try it on something that's easily spared..
Dianka, thanks, Im happy to get points for the effort. I should be braver, but one step at a time right? ;)
K&S, potent is the right word. Im hoping one day I'll get past it and give it a try but until that day comes Im happy to keep it closed tightly in my cupboard.
Ruth, I knew there had to be some fellow Torontonians who could relate--although Im probably thinking more of the scarborough beaches when it comes to the whole shopping cart thing..
Mika, truthfully, I had to wait a week or so after that smell test before I could brave the salt enough to dump it out and take a picture. But trying new and unusual things is definitely part of the adventure of living in Paris!
David, detoxing from booze? I dont understand.. ;)
Michèle, I can completely relate about those optimistic purchases that linger in dark corners of your cupboard. I don't know that there are many that I'm afraid to try but there are certainly several that I frankly don't know what to do with! Maybe we should organise a foodie swap - everyone brings his or her embarrassing cupboard stash and trades for something else? Or would that just change the stuff we store without using?
Anyway, I'd be happy to trade for your sea salt - and this despite your description!
Yea, I'm right there with you...so I still respect you :) Unfortunately, I might be able to one up you on this one (or one-down you as the case may be!): I sometimes horde things I know are going to be AWESOME when I finally find them...I'll use a little, eat a little, rave at how good it is...then stick it right back in the cupboard, just so I can still have it in there to impress me. Ah, the SHAME. Can't wait to see what you come up to improve on your already wonderful blog - I do love the new pics already!
Meg, that actually sounds like a brilliant idea! Im hoping you have lots of "shameful" chocolate in your cupboard that you don't use that I can swap the salt for? ;)
Michelle, oh that is sneaky. Im more guilty of hording things that are good just because I am saving them for the "right" occassion.. and then they go bad because I waited too long and that right occassion never came.. Its such a curse!
That salt looks interesting. I once let a pack of fresh yeast go to waste as that I was too scared to mess it up by baking with it. I know foolish girl.
So my advice is don't let the good salt go to waste. But im sure the salt's shelf life is much longer than that of fresh yeast so you're ok for now.
Yea, I've done that too. Ah, who can blame us, though? There are such good things that come out of our little purchases enough times ;)
Don't think you're alone - I think we're all pretty impressed with your salt. It looks cool, you know it will taste good and it's uniquely French. When you're living in another country it's fun discovering new things that you couldn't find at home.
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