
Flor de Sal Mallorca contains over 80 minerals and trace elements. In this text, we will take a closer look at one of the most popular souvenirs from the island.
In the southern part of the Balearic island, between Campos and Colònia de Sant Jordi, you'll find Flor de Sal D’es Trenc, the most famous and profitable salt production plant from Mallorca. The salt produced here, Flor de Sal Mallorca, is highly valued by renowned top chefs worldwide and is one of the most popular souvenirs from the holiday island.
Already from the car park of the salt pan, directly on the road to the wonderful natural beach Es Trenc Located, it offers an impressive view of the salt mountains glinting in the sun, reminiscent of snow-capped Alpine peaks. A small shop, where also generous samples distributed, Flor de Sal Mallorca's precious salines are offered right next to the entrance gate. Visitors quickly realise that it's about much more than just valuable, naturally produced sea salt.
Swiss know-how on the Mediterranean coast
The business idea for building the Flor de Sal Mallorca saltworks came from Swiss national Katja Wöhr. In 2003, she obtained permission for her company, Gusto Mundial Baleárides, to operate a salt extraction facility. The facility, located in close proximity to the picturesque village, now encompasses Santanyí an area of more than 170 hectares and houses 140 salt pans. The salt works ‚harvests‘, as it is called in the jargon, around 28 tonnes of sea salt per year. A very considerable amount for a single plant of this kind.
It takes one year for the coveted salt to be harvested from pure Mediterranean seawater. The particularly clean seawater is taken from about three kilometres away from the natural beach Platja d’es Trenc and pumped into so-called heating basins, which 90 metres above sea level lie. If enough water has evaporated and the brine concentration has accordingly increased, the sluice gates are opened to basins with a smaller capacity. Only then does the brine reach the actual crystallisation basins, from which the famous Flor de Sal Mallorca is harvested.
Mallorcan salt is launched on the market in three different qualities. The salt layer directly above the bottom of the crystallisation pond is exclusively for industrial purposes, somewhat for dishwashers. The The middle layer serves to obtain ’normal‘, inexpensive table salt.Only the salt crystals formed directly on the surface are the genuine Flor de Sal Mallorca. As it remains completely untreated, it binds atmospheric moisture and always appears slightly damp.
Fascinating views at the Flor de Sal salt flats in Mallorca
Ein Besuch der Salzgewinnungsanlage Flor de Sal Mallorca gehört zu den Highlights of a holiday in Mallorca.The most important accessory is the white parasol, which is provided to visitors of the salt works right at the entrance. After all, there are no shady trees or bushes here whatsoever. The iridescent crystals of the salt mounds also reflect sunlight, giving it extra power.
Between the imposing salt mountains, which rise up like mighty, glittering glaciers against the blue summer sky, the water in the collection basins shimmers in various shades of red. Responsible for this Fascinating play of colours are countless small organisms, whose red pigmentation protects the small creatures from intensive solar radiation. The brine shrimp serve as food for the proud flamingos, which can be admired in flocks at the Flor de Sal Mallorca salt pan, and are responsible for the delicate pink colouring of the flamingo feathers.
The pathway through the magical-looking landscape The salt works are equipped with numerous information boards that vividly explain the process of salt production. In addition, guided tours of the impressive natural spectacle Flor de Sal Mallorca take place daily during the peak season. In the entrance area, a shady spot, where cool drinks are also served, invites visitors to rest.
Flor de Sal Mallorca – Salt crystals in flower form
The crystals of the salt harvested in the Platja d’es Trenc salt pan take the form of delicate, fragile blossoms. The name Flor de Sal – salt blossom – refers to this. This precious sea salt from the south of Mallorca is a pure natural product. More than eighty minerals and trace elements,The Flor de Sal Mallorca, including disproportionately high levels of potassium and magnesium, has been analysed. The special salt from Platja d’es Trenc is crispy and develops a unique flavour note with a mild sweetness, which enhances the natural taste of food. Top chefs advise adding Flor de Sal Mallorca to dishes only after cooking, so the flower of salt can fully develop its flavour.
Katja Wöhr, the owner of the salt works, has over the years expanded the pure sea salt product range to include different flavours expanded. The Flor de Sal is mixed with natural ingredients. The blends with the aromas orange-chilli, truffle, lemon-thyme, beetroot and Szechuan pepper are particularly sought after. The Flor de Sal Mallorca product range is completed by the Flor de Sal Spa line, launched in 2008, which includes aromatic bath salts and other wellness items.