A salt farmer raking the pans by hand, Figueira da Foz
Our Method

Nature sets the pace: zero machines, zero shortcuts. Hand-harvested since the 11th century.

Our Method

Sun, sea, and time

For centuries, salt farmers in Figueira da Foz have worked to nature's rhythm: Atlantic water in the pans, the sun for the evaporation, and the rest done by hand. No artificial heating, no chemical processing. Nothing added, nothing taken.

Shallow salt pans filled with Atlantic water, Figueira da Foz

Step one

It starts with the Atlantic

We draw Atlantic seawater into shallow pans, naturally filtered on its way through the sea algae beds of the estuary. No pumps forcing it, no chemistry. Just clean ocean water and the shape of the land.

The sun does the work

Slow, patient, by hand.

Once the pans are full, the water begins its slow evaporation under the hot sun, over about a week. Every day we tend the water levels and rake the pans by hand so the crystals form slowly and evenly. That patience is what gives the salt its distinct, mellow flavour.

Figueira da Foz, Portugal. Worked the same way for centuries.

Freshly harvested sea salt being collected by hand, Figueira da Foz

The old way

No machines, no shortcuts

No artificial heating, no chemical processing, nothing added and nothing taken away. It is how our grandfather learned it as a boy, and how he passed it down. The work has not changed in any meaningful way, because it never needed to.

Artisanal Sea Salt£9.00
Fine flor de sal skimmed into the harvest trays, Figueira da Foz

The flower of salt

Skimmed from the surface

On the stillest, warmest days a fine crust forms on the very surface of the pans. We lift it off by hand the same day, before it sinks: the lightest and most delicate salt the pans give up. This is flor de sal.

Flor De Sal£14.00
The Silva family working the salt pans, Figueira da Foz

Continue

Our Story

Fond childhood memories: hot summers, big family gatherings and lots of delicious food.

Read on