From the woodshop, to the kitchen, to the “let’s make a grater in every form possible,” Microplane, the innovative kitchen utensil company, has gone a bit too far. The classic Microplane series — specifically the zester — was one of our earlier “bites” and for good reason. When the company first launched its product line the zester was innovative, practical and one of the most useful utensils in my kitchen.
The reason for me writing this TidBite is because the Microplane company recently released a new line of products, including the Sea Salt Shaver set (say that 10 times fast), retailing for $24.95 that includes a small storage jar filled with “the hardest of rock salts.” This has me wondering, what market research they had to create this product.
According to Microplane, Himalayan Sea Salt — a.k.a. Pakistani Rock Salt — is a tastier alternative to the table salt that 98% (an educated guess) of consumers are used to eating. So what has Microplane done? They’ve created a specific shaver for this sea salt “engineered to maintain a sharp blade over an extensive period of use.”
My advice: stick to the table salt, or crushed sea salt, that you’re used to – and if the desire ever comes over you to shave your own salt – smack yourself and ask “why?”
– Eric
For those that have little to no taste buds, then sure ordinary plain table salt is just fine. For those with high blood pressure or diets that physicians say should reduce their salt intake, then using a mineral rich sea salt and a good sea salt shaver such as the Microplane are in for a real treat.
As a machinist and metallurgist by trade I can vouch for the hardness and design qualities of the Microplane Sea Salt Shaver to be the best grater on the market for this purpose. I own one myself, as well as wood planes, spice and cheese graters and can contest that the Microplane products are by far superior to others I’ve used. It isn’t a marketing ploy used by Microplane, the Sea Salt Shaver really is well designed, engineered and manufactured with quality 18/8 stainless steel and is hardened to a Rockwell hardness well above that of other graters/planers, made to withstand the hardness of Sea Salt so as not to dull or rust as easily as other planers/shavers/graters. There is, with the Microplane, a major scientific difference in the product that makes it well worth the expense. With proper care, the product should last many years to come if not a lifetime. Also, I do not work for Microplane and have nothing invested in making these comments. I only speak from my own personal experience and nothing more.
The Himalayan Rose Salt referred to is also rich in minerals, such as iron, potassium, magnesium and more. Analysis’ show that over 80% of the bodies’ daily mineral needs are found in this salt. The shaving method for fresh Rose Sea Salt results in a very fine salt that takes very little to get a full, rich, salt taste on foods.
Since the salt does have a much richer taste, using less and getting a fuller, richer flavor is better for those that love salt but are not supposed to have too much salt. In fact even the healthy amongst us should keep salt intake to a minimum and using this salt in smaller quantities packs a big flavor punch, so little is all you need.
Maybe shaving your own salt seems like too much trouble for some. Even before I’d purchased and received my shaver I still found that using a high quality Sea Salt crystal in a good salt grinder makes a huge difference in flavor and lessens the amounts needed. I also use fresh black Tellicherry Peppercorns in a quality grater, as opposed to the typical pre-ground pepper and there too is a huge difference. The aroma and flavor of fresh ground pepper is stronger and sweeter than the pre-ground/pre-packaged types. Sea Salts are no different and once I’d found this out I’ll never go back to the ground stuff ever again.
While Eric claims you should smack yourself if you have the desire to “shave your own salt”, I say why not treat yourself to s “flavor smack” unlike anything you’ve ever experienced if you’ve never tried it.
It’s been said that variety is the spice of life; while I will add that fresh ground spices of any kind, including a good Sea Salt, is what makes life sweeter and more pleasurable. Sure it costs more but in the end you use less fresh shaved Sea Salt to get a flavor experience you’ll never forget, so the cost balances out from using less. Add to that the minerals in the Rose salts including those from Bolivia and you get the added benefit of minerals necessary for good health without the high cost of using daily multi-vitamins.
It’s also been said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and once again I take a saying further and add that true joy can be found in the mouth of the fresh ground spice user. Unless you’ve tried it, you can’t honestly judge it and I’ve not only tried but thoroughly enjoy my freshly shaved Rose Sea Salts. Life is too short not to spice it up a bit with the best salts and spices you can use. There is a major difference and I will never go back to the dull and ordinary again, now that I’ve experienced the real thing!
Hi,
I would like to find a place to purchase shaved sea salt, can you help me? Thank you
Mary
Mary, Sea salt is now available in supermarkets. If you’re interested in this sea salt set, you’ll need to check your local stores that sell Microplane products. Or, you can buy it online at the Microplane website.
Sea salt is a pretty generic term, often including mined salt. Be careful what kind of “sea salt” your are getting at chain markets if you are looking for artisan salts where flavors differ.