Hawaiian ʻAlaea Sea Salt

Because I live in Hawaii I want to try products that are produced or originate here.  The Hawaiian ʻAlaea Sea Salt, is an orange/brownish colored salt that is harvested from the ocean here in Hawaii.  The salt is not processed or refined.  ʻAlaea salt is rich in trace minerals and is enhanced with ʻalaea, a Hawaiian clay.  This clay gives this salt it's distinct color and has no smell or taste.  The ʻalaea has iron-oxide in it which adds to the mineral content of the salt.  This salt is traditionally used in ceremonies to cleanse or purify, and bless.  This salt is also used in cooking as in the traditional Kalua pig and poke.  This salt is often used as a rub for meats before grilling.  I grind this salt with a mortar and pestle for a finer consistency and use it in marinades, rubs, and salad dressings.  Though this salt does not have any smell or taste value, it still has mineral content that does provide some nutrition, though minimal.  This salt does not have iodine added. 

For more reading on the topic of salt, I recommend the book Salt, a World History by Mark Kurlansky.