Our process uses the ancient method of solar evaporation utilizing some modern materials. Traditionally, solar evaporating sea salt is the preferred method for warmer climates with little rainfall and high evaporation rates - this is not how you would describe the islands off the coast of Maine! A greenhouse allows us to use 100% solar evaporation, creating a minimally processed "wild sea salt" without the need to bake or boil which changes the crystal composition, mineral content and flavor. Due to severe winter weather on the island, we set up our greenhouse seasonally from late spring to late autumn.

Production starts by collecting seawater - salt will only be as good as the quality of the water it comes from. The clear waters that surround Matinicus are the perfect resource and the kelp beds (which act like a natural filter) right offshore from our saltworks, in about 20-30 feet of water, is where we collect ours. This water undergoes further filtration to remove anything slightly smaller than what the eye can see, but leaving all the beneficial minerals, before being transferred to our evaporation tables in the greenhouse. Here, aided by the sun and wind, the water gradually transforms into pristine sea salt crystals over 3-4 weeks.

As the sun facilitates evaporation, delicate crystals begin to form, influenced by warming and cooling cycles and weather patterns. This natural variability ensures that each batch is uniquely shaped by the changing weather conditions. Finally, we meticulously harvest each batch of sea salt by hand, and then allow an allotted amount of drying time. This results in a finished product made with care, hard work, and time.