Sea salt

The geographical indication (GI) status links a product with the territory and with the biodiversity involved. Besides, the specific knowledge and cultural practices of a human group that permit transforming a resource into a useful good is protected under a GI designation. Traditional sea salt is a hand-harvested product originating exclusively from salt marshes from specific geographical regions. Once salt is harvested, no washing, artificial drying or addition of anti-caking agents are allowed; then, other salts associated with sodium chloride are also maintained. Two quality types of salt can be commercially considered: ‘flower of salt’ and salt, which have distinctive physico-chemical characteristics. The application of analytical methodologies such as atomic spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, separation techniques and flow injection systems coupled with chemometric tools can provide significant evidence of sea salt uniqueness, give precise and concise information and promote fair competition in the market, bringing benefits for the producers and consumers.