PAʻAKAI

Hawaiian

Sea salt is harvested from evaporative pools along the coast, a practice predating Western contact. Red volcanic clay from specific inland deposits is dissolved in water and mixed with the harvested salt. The iron-rich clay adds mineral complexity, a distinctive ruddy colour, and a rounded, less sharp saltiness. The coarse crystal structure dissolves slowly, providing sustained seasoning. Paʻakai is the universal Hawaiian seasoning — used in every technique entry in this chapter. The Hanapepe salt ponds on Kauaʻi have been in continuous use for generations, maintained by a hui of native Hawaiian families.

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