Emile Henry La Main à Sel ceramic salt pig

Emile Henry La Main à Sel ceramic salt pig

The La Main à Sel salt pig (known internationally as a salt pig) by Emile Henry is an open ceramic pot designed to keep salt always within reach beside the hob. Its wide, angled opening lets you take salt with your fingers or a pinch at a time, quickly and comfortably as you cook, with no lids to lift or mills to work. It's one of those small tools that, once it's in your kitchen, you can't imagine how you cooked without it.

What is a salt pig?

A salt pig is a wide-mouthed ceramic pot with a curved shape that sits next to the cooking area. Unlike a table salt cellar with holes, here the salt stays accessible so you can take it straight with your fingers and season to taste, which is key to seasoning the way professional chefs do. The "hooded" shape protects the contents from dust, moisture and splashes, keeping the salt clean and ready to use.

Why ceramic?

Emile Henry's stoneware ceramic is the ideal material for storing salt. Its unglazed interior absorbs excess ambient moisture, which stops the salt from clumping and forming a crust. That way fine salt, fleur de sel and flaked salt all stay dry and loose, ready for a good pinch whenever you need it. Ceramic also passes on no smells or flavours and is hard-wearing and easy to clean.

Recommended uses

• Table salt for seasoning meat, fish and side dishes.
• Flaked salt and fleur de sel for finishing dishes.
• Fine salt for everyday cooking.
• It's also handy for keeping sugar or bicarbonate of soda within reach in the baking area.

Colours and finishes

La Main à Sel is available in three finishes from the Emile Henry range, which you can choose from the drop-down below the price: Red (Grand Cru), Cream (Argile) and Truffle (Truffe). Each piece is made in France, at the Marcigny factory, and because it is crafted by hand it may show small irregularities that are natural and characteristic of handmade ceramic.

Care and maintenance

The La Main à Sel salt pig is dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning easy. To keep the unglazed interior in good condition, simply let it dry thoroughly before refilling it with salt. Emile Henry's high-resistance HR® ceramic is designed to last year after year.

Technical specification

Frequently asked questions

Why is the interior unglazed?
The porous interior absorbs moisture and keeps the salt dry and loose, preventing it from clumping.

What types of salt can I store?
Any kind: fine salt, flaked salt or fleur de sel. Sugar or bicarbonate of soda too.

Is it dishwasher safe?
Yes, it is dishwasher safe. It's best to let it dry thoroughly before refilling.

Is it guaranteed?
Yes, Emile Henry offers a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing defects.