SoDel Concepts launches new flavored salts

Gourmet and flavored salts are all the rage among cooks looking for a new way to spice up their traditional dishes.

Globally, the gourmet salt market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2019.

SoDel Concepts, a hospitality chain that operates eight restaurants along Delaware's coast, is now doubling down on the trend by launching its second line of the specialty seasoning.

SoDel Salts features three flavors, including a lemon zest and curry powder mix called Summer Lemon Zest, a combination of peppercorn, toasted fennel seed and bay leaf named Black Pepper Fennel and a paprika, black pepper, celery seed blend known as Bay Spice.

Four-ounce tins of the new flavors retail for $5.

The new line follows the introduction of Matt's Homemade Papa Grande's Sea Salts about two years ago, said company spokeswoman Nelia Dolan. Those Latin-inspired flavors include jalapeno lime and chipotle.

"They were so popular that we decided to expand our offerings with flavors that work well other types of dishes, particularly seafood and chicken," Dolan said.

Salts and other ingredients used in the new line are purchased from Cosmic Spice & Specialty Foods in Buena, New Jersey. SoDel Corporate Chef Doug Ruley then mixes and packages each blend at the Bethany Beach restaurant Bluecoast, while the labeling done at the company's headquarters in Rehoboth Beach.

SoDel Salts are now available at six SoDel restaurants, including Fish On in Lewes, Lupo Italian Kitchen in Rehoboth Beach, Matt’s Fish Camp and Bluecoast in Bethany Beach, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View and Catch 54 in Fenwick Island.

Matt's Homemade Papa Grande's Sea Salts, previously available at all the company's restaurants, are now sold exclusively at Papa Grande Coastal Taqueria in Fenwick Island and Rehoboth Beach.

Contact business reporter Scott Goss at (302) 324-2281, sgoss@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @ScottGossDel.