EU seas fit to grant sea salt protected origin status

Oriel sea salt refers to salt harvested from the bay of Port Oriel, County Louth, Ireland. It is described as a fine-grain sea salt that is additive free.

According to the application submitted to the European Parliament, the salt’s grain allows it to penetrate food more rapidly as it dissolves, resulting in a resistance-free dissipation and dispersion in food.

Oriel Sea Minerals​

A similar ingredient harvested from the waters of Port Oriel, Oriel Sea Minerals, also received PDO status.

The product refers to the concentrated sea mineral salts in liquid form, meaning the minerals and trace elements are in an elemental ionised state.

This adopted form means its manufacturers Oriel Marine Extracts can harvest the ocean waters for these minerals and collect them in concentrated them.

“When diluted in water, juice or other beverage at the correct ratio the minerals dissipate leaving almost no aftertaste,”​ the application stated.

“These sea minerals’ are an excellent food supplement delivering a balance and ratio of minerals to the body through water or liquid making absorption and nutrient benefit more effective.”​

With these two protected products, Ireland now has seven food names protected in the EU quality register. These include the Waterford Blaa, a soft doughy white bread roll clearly identified by the white floury top on the product,  Connemara Hill lamb, Timoleague brown pudding, Imokilly Regato cheese and Clare Island salmon.

The full list of protected products can be seen here.​​