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Recently my family and I moved back to West Michigan from the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona.  Within a five-mile radius of our house I could choose from a plethora of food stores, from supermarkets to specialty food shops and anything in between.  I generally frequented three stores:  Fry’s Marketplace for basic needs; AJ’s Fine Foods for cheese and fish or a special item; and, most often, Sunflower Farmer’s Market for produce, natural foods, bulk foods and other essentials.  My shopping routine varied depending on the direction I was headed, whether I had all day to shop or if I made a quick stop around another set of errands.   I relished the variety of food and goods and enjoyed shopping because of it.

Since returning to more rural West Michigan, grocery shopping is a bit more challenging, albeit more than sufficient.  I like the local supermarket; the folks are nice there and there isn’t a lot that is missing really.  The Farmer’s Market is beautiful and bountiful, and Meijer is often a one-stop shopping bonanza.  However, one item I miss among the market aisles in Michigan is really good salt.  I grew up not thinking much about salt, except perhaps its cursed relationship with hypertension.  But as a home chef and food nut I love the right salt and good salt, and I think about it every time I cook.  It’s been really difficult to find in West Michigan.

Eden Sea Salt

My favorite sea salt is Eden French Seat Salt, which I found at Sunflower Market in Scottsdale.  It was appealing because of its bright yellow lid and pretty blue label.  When I took it home and opened it up it was still slightly moist, its texture fine and soft.  Of course it tasted unmistakably salty, but ever so gently.  It dissolved easily, and a light sprinkle on a sandwich or a salad was yummy and subtle.  I’ve tried many other varieties of salt–attractive, colored sea salts and Kosher salts, and of course, the overpowering regular table salt–but Eden Sea Salt was and still is my go-to for cooking.  Needless to say I was bummed to find it unavailable in my new environment.

Yummy Sea Salt

I vaguely remember reading about its origin on the label, but didn’t remember much as I missed it so. After a brief search on Eden’s site I remembered–it’s located in Michigan! ( The vendor, that is, not the origin of the salt.)  Unfortunately, I had to order it online, and, naughty girl that I was, did not order directly from Eden, but rather from Amazon as I was purchasing other items.  However, I will next time: only $4.49 plus shipping through Eden. (I did pay the same price on Amazon, but I definitely want to support the locals.)  I now have my favorite sea salt and an extra in the pantry, and am pleased to know its roots are right here in Michigan.

If you’ve never tried sea salt, it is completely worth a taste test.  It’s simply so much better than table salt and a lot of fun in the kitchen.  I hope you give it try, or, if you have a favorite salt stashed in your cupboard, please share it with me.  I’d love to try it.

PS – For those of you who really cook a lot, Eden offers a 55# bag of French Sea Salt.  You know, just in case you run out.