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- Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy application for sea salt quality evaluationPublication . Galvis-Sanchez, Andrea C.; Lopes, João Almeida; Delgadillo, Ivonne; Rangel, António O.S.S.Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in diffuse reflectance mode was explored with the objective of discriminating sea salts according to their quality type (traditional salt vs "flower of salt") and geographical origin (Atlantic vs Mediterranean). Sea salts were also analyzed in terms of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, alkalinity, and sulfate concentrations to support spectroscopic results. High concentrations of Mg2+ and K+ characterized Atlantic samples, while a high Ca2+ content was observed in traditional sea salts. A partial least-squares discriminant analysis model considering the 8500-7500 cm(-1) region permitted the discrimination of salts by quality types. The regions 4650-4350 and 5900-5500 cm(-1) allowed salts classification according to their geographical origin. It was possible to classify correctly 85.3 and 94.8% of the analyzed samples according to the salt type and to the geographical origin, respectively. These results demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy is a suitable and very efficient tool for sea salt quality evaluation.
- Sea saltPublication . Galvis-Sánchez, Andrea C.; Lopes, João Almeida; Delgadillo, Ivone; Rangel, António O. S. S.The geographical indication (GI) status links a product with the territory and with the biodiversity involved. Besides, the specific knowledge and cultural practices of a human group that permit transforming a resource into a useful good is protected under a GI designation. Traditional sea salt is a hand-harvested product originating exclusively from salt marshes from specific geographical regions. Once salt is harvested, no washing, artificial drying or addition of anti-caking agents are allowed; then, other salts associated with sodium chloride are also maintained. Two quality types of salt can be commercially considered: ‘flower of salt’ and salt, which have distinctive physico-chemical characteristics. The application of analytical methodologies such as atomic spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, separation techniques and flow injection systems coupled with chemometric tools can provide significant evidence of sea salt uniqueness, give precise and concise information and promote fair competition in the market, bringing benefits for the producers and consumers.