We not only like to sell our products online, but we also like to buy specialty food items online. Every now and then we come across a great idea and think, "We could sell that at Etto - maybe even better and cheaper." This happened recently when we came across and ordered a jar of salt discs that are a perfect way to salt pasta water and take the guesswork out. The problem is these discs didn't come cheap at around $15 a 400 gram jar plus shipping. Sure the salt is from the salt pans of Trapani which may be the most famous and historic salt source in the world. This area is now a nature preserve overseen by the World Wildlife Federation. 

 

Since we fell in love with the product and many of our team members, me included have Sicilian heritage, we knew we needed to source this salt ourselves. After about six months of searching for ways to get this salt here we finally figured it out and are now offering it in the store at about 1/2 the price of other folks in a larger quantity of one pound (454 grams). This will salt most folks pasta water for about a year or mine for just a couple months. 

 

The beauty of this product is twofold - first it takes the guesswork out of seasoning pasta water. I actually keep it on the counter next to the stove and use it every time I boil water even for potatoes or other vegetables. Secondly, it's a pure salt source and will not lead to funky flavors you might get from iodized salt or other salt with impurities. 

 

We've done a bunch of trials with this salt and now come to the conclusion that 3 discs are perfect for saltier water for any standard pasta dish. Two discs work well for any pasta dish that has higher salt content like dishes with pancetta, guanciale and parmesan or other salty cheese. For most asian inspired pasta dishes or those less tolerant to salt, 2 discs will fit the bill too. 

 

I've also learned that many folks don't salt or remember to salt their pasta water at all .........Yikes, please don't forget this step. This is critical in making a great pasta dish, so please whatever you do please salt your pasta water and now it's easier than ever with our salt discs.