Afrina PGI – Its special features

The request to register Afrina Messolonghiou in the list of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products was approved.

Hellenic Salts SA, based in the Municipality of the Holy City of Messolonghi, Etoloakarnania, had submitted the relevant request for the registration of the name “Afrina” in the Register PDO-PGI-EPIP of the EU as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Afrina is a type of sea salt, Fleur de sel, produced exclusively in the salt pans of Messolonghi. It consists of white and brittle crystals of sodium chloride that form on the surface of salt pan brine, with a light appearance, is less salty than regular salt, slightly bitter due to the increased amount of magnesium and therefore ideal for raw or baked goods, or even sweet foods.

It is rich in all the trace elements – minerals contained in seawater and especially Magnesium (Mg). It is sea salt and does not accept any kind of addition or processing after harvest. Therefore, the product falls into the category of cooking salt or common salt. Fleur de sel is only used to flavor food. It is not used in place of salt during the cooking process, instead, it is added just before serving, like a garnish, a “finishing salt,” to boost the flavor of eggs, fish, meat, vegetables, chocolate, and caramel.

The name Afrina is a traditional name in the area of ​​Messolonghi, for the small amount of salt crystals that form on the surface of the brine and are collected manually. The production and harvesting of the Afrina product takes place in the Messolonghi salt flat (also known to the locals as the “White” salt pan).