Why Is Maldon Salt Used In The Honey Pie?

Our answer

Nigella's Honey Pie (from SIMPLY NIGELLA) has an easy press-in crust that is filled with a sweet and salty filling. The pie uses Maldon salt, which is a UK flaky sea salt (also called sea salt crystals) that are produced in Maldon, Essex, on the east coast of England.

The salt has a crystal structure and Maldon is probably the best-known brand in the UK, and is sold worldwide, though for the filling you could use another brand of flaky sea salt/sea salt crystals or Diamond Crystal kosher salt. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the honey, making the pie filling less cloying. For sprinkling on the top of the pie, we would prefer to use Maldon or flaky sea salt/sea salt crystals as they add a pleasing crunch and textural contrast. Cornmeal is made from ground dried maize and is the same as fine polenta. It is added to the pie to help to absorb a little of the moisture from the filling.