Salt often gets a bad rap - filed under “things to eat less of.” But, like most nutrients, the story isn’t so simple. Not all salts are created equal, and not all come from the same place or process.
At Yanaa, we use Camargue sea salt in every pouch – hand-harvested from the salt marshes of southern France, close to where our purées are made. Its clean taste, natural texture and low food miles make it a small but important choice in how we cook and source.
In this piece, we’ll explore:
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The story behind Camargue’s famous fleur de sel
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Why salt is essential (and how balance matters)
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What happens to salt when we exercise
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Why we choose locally harvested Camargue salt for Yanaa
The Story of Camargue Salt
Camargue lies where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean, an otherworldly landscape of pink lagoons, flamingos, and white horses. Here, sea water evaporates slowly under the Provençal sun, leaving behind fine crystals known as fleur de sel - literally, “flower of salt.”
This salt forms only under precise conditions of wind, warmth and stillness. It’s skimmed from the surface by hand, often by families who have worked these same marshes for generations. Because it’s harvested naturally, Camargue salt keeps the sea’s natural mineral balance, giving it a cleaner taste and subtle crunch.
Yanaa is made in the south of France, so choosing Camargue salt wasn’t just about flavour. It’s local, sustainable, and has low food miles - a small but meaningful way we can tread more lightly.
© La Comédie de Vanneau
Why the Body Needs Salt
Sodium and chloride are part of many natural processes in the body. They help maintain normal fluid balance and support nerve and muscle activity. During exercise, sodium is lost in sweat, which is why foods containing a small amount of salt can taste especially good after long activity.
Camargue salt also naturally contains trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium - part of the wider electrolyte family involved in keeping the body’s natural balance.
Salt and Exercise: The Science In Short
During prolonged activity, people lose water and sodium through sweat. Scientific research shows that these losses vary widely between individuals and conditions. Guidance for athletes often recommends paying attention to both fluid and electrolyte intake, as balance supports comfort and recovery. Muscle cramps are common in sport and have many possible causes, including fatigue and environment.
Why Camargue salt in a real-food pouch?
Compared with refined table salts, a hand-harvested fleur-de-sel offers texture and trace minerals without additives. In Yanaa’s recipes, Camargue salt brings balance and flavour to pulses and grains. Its delicate texture seasons naturally and enhances the overall taste of our savoury purées. Harvested locally, it reflects where our food is made and keeps food miles low.
© La Comédie de Vanneau
A Pinch With Punch
A pinch of Camargue salt won’t fix a poor diet - but in real food, used thoughtfully, it does more than season. It’s a small, local touch that adds flavour, texture and that subtle mineral spark you only get from natural salt.
