Maldon salt and Pomi tomatoes

[FrancisdeR]

Just going through Batali's new book, and he raves about these two brands. I don't do much of the shopping in our house, so I'm not sure if they are widely available or if you have to go to a specialty store (Whole Foods, or DiBruno, for example).

Does anyone recognize these as being available anywhere nearby. Chester County would be my first preference, but happy to hear of suggestions further afield.

Thanks.

[jaba]

Pomi is definitely available at Whole Foods

[Boognish]

Maldon is available at DiBruno's. I order mine online from salttrader.com

I think DiBruno's may have the Pomi as well, but it's been a while since I've been there.

[Kater]

You can find Pomi at some grocery chains but personally I would not go out of my way for it. I make a special trip to get San Marzano tomatoes but the only time I make an effort to get Pomi is i I am packing the food to bring it to a rental house or cabin and want a lighter package.

But Maldon salt is indispensable with a very unique flavor profile and texture. While you should have fleur de sel in your kitchen it is not a substitute for Maldon. Buy both. You can get Maldon salt at most Whole Foods markets but I have not found it in more typical grocery stores. You can also order it online which can be very convenient.

[FrancisdeR]

Thanks, all. The search will be one of my missions for the coming weekend.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Both should be relatively available. Maldon is a flaked salt from Great Britain, and Halen Mon from Scotland is essentially identical. As both are Atlantic salts, even any Fleur de Sel from Brittany would work as well for finishing salt or even Sel gris from Brittany as well would be fine for cooking. Pomi is getting a little hard to find as San Marzano tomatoes are 'hotter' now, but suspect Wegman's or Whole Paycheck would have them.

[FrancisdeR]

Thanks, we have a Wegman's nearby. I asked the question before I even checked.

This book (Molto Gusto) is quite recent, so Pomi may come back. The allegation is that tin canning alters the flavor of tomatoes, so the Pomi (packed like little juice boxes) avoid that problem.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Pomi also seems to last forever like Parmalat, always had a few boxes around.