Ilocano asin is a type of sea salt that originates from the pure seawaters of Pangasinan in the Philippines. It is a moist, naturally white sea salt that offers bright, clean, and crisp flavors and is enhanced by the presence of underlying minerals, which contribute to a complex and well-balanced taste.
The salt's texture is a unique combination of granular (sal gris) and flake (fleur de sel) crystals, providing a distinct texture that melts quickly on the palate, giving an instantaneous taste. The salt crystals from Pangasinan are hand-harvested and are known for their lush, almost billowy quality, which is likened to an exaggerated version of fleur de sel.