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30 | Gazette Life | February 2026GAZETTE | FOODWHITE GOLDSalt production has deep roots in the island%u2019s history, once forming the backbone of the local economy and sustaining the fishing trade through preservation. There are 26 salinas (saltworks) on the island, although almost all of them are long disused. The exceptions are the famous Salinas de Janubio, which produces most of the local salt nowadays, and the Salinas de Guatiza, near Los Cocoteros, which produces a much smaller amount.In both, the age-old method remains unchanged. Windmills draw seawater into shallow, terraced ponds, where sun and wind gradually evaporate the moisture until salt crystals emerge. At certain stages, the water takes on a surreal pink hue - a natural phenomenon caused by microscopic crustaceans. The result is a landscape of mesmerising beauty, as otherworldly as the island%u2019s famed volcanic vineyards.SEA SALT IS A LOCAL PRODUCT HERE ON LANZAROTE, MADE AND PACKAGED ON THE ISLAND, WHERE SEA WATER, SUNSHINE AND WIND POWER ARE PLENTIFUL.Two principal varieties are crafted here. First, the coarse sea salt, piled in gleaming white pyramids across the salt flats. As these mounds bask in the sun, a delicate crust of fine flakes forms on the surface - this is carefully collected and sold as flor de sal. Considered the gourmet choice, it is milder in flavour and delicate in texture, with a prestige reflected in its price.Local sea salt is wonderfully versatile in Lanzarote%u2019s kitchens. It is ideal for curing, brining and pickling, and it creates the iconic salty crust on papas arrugadas - those deliciously wrinkled Canarian potatoes. So abundant and affordable is it that many chefs still bake whole fish in a thick salt casing, sealing in moisture and flavour.Janubio also offers an imaginative range of seasoned salts, infused with red or green mojo, turmeric, curry, herbs and spices, alongside a striking black salt blended with activated charcoal.So woven is salt into the fabric of island life that it even finds artistic expression during the festival of Corpus Christi, when communities create intricate, colourful %u201ccarpets%u201d from dyed salt - ephemeral artworks that linger only until the procession passes.SALT NOTESThe local sea salt typically comes in large, crystalline form. Its robust size makes it ideal for use in a grinder or mill, rather than for sprinkling straight from the bag - a small step for a seasoning that carries the taste of Lanzarote%u2019s soul.www.indiangourmet.es Calle Las Palmas no.4, Playa Blanca, 35580, Lanzarote+34 653 027 739 or +34 686 010 125OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 10AM till 11PM!INDIAN & ENGLISH BREAKFASTS SERVED 10AM - 12:30, FULL MENU INCLUDING LUNCH SPECIALS AVAILABLE FROM 10AM - 5:30PM.TAKE AWAY - FREE DELIVERY IN PLAYA BLANCA.BOOKING ADVISED!CELEBRATE Valentines Day WITH US!