The Hamptons Salt Company's Peter Pierce talks to No Place Like Long Island

Every Long Islander knows that there is no shortage of great local food options, but not everyone is aware of the food companies based on our island. One example of such is the Hamptons Salt Company, as helmed by Peter Pierce. An alternative to the chemical-laden salts often found on shelves and tables, the Hamptons Salt Company creates 100% natural salts that also keep taste in mind. Interesting flavors infused with the specially-sourced salts of the company include Black Truffle, Garlic, Ghost Pepper, Smoked Hickory, Rosemary, Garlic, Smoked Mesquite and Espresso. The brand was recently featured at the 5th Annual St. Barth Hamptons Gala, Jill Zarin's 4th Annual Luxury Luncheon, and in the Williams-Sonoma Artisans’ Market Program.

Peter spoke to No Place Like Long Island to not only tell more about the Hamptons Salt Company, but how our island helps inspire his salts. Peter's company can be visited online at www.hamptonssalt.com, in addition to its pages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

The Hamptons Salt Company's Peter Pierce

"Hamptons" is in the name of your company. How did the Hamptons initially inspire your products?

PP: The Hamptons beaches, ocean and villages are some of the most beautiful in the world. Since our products are all-natural and from the sea, I thought it was the perfect name. Hamptons Salt Company reflects living a healthy lifestyle in one of the most gorgeous places in the world. 

Is there a specific spot in the Hamptons that you call home? Or spend most of your time at?

PP: When I first started going to the Hamptons in the 90s, like most young adults, I stayed in a big share house. My love for the Hamptons grew each year, and we eventually purchased a home in Southampton Village.

Are you a year-round Hamptons resident? Or just spend the nicer times of the year there?

PP: I am not a year-round resident. Our primary residence is in New York City. Hopefully, though, Hamptons Salt Company will grow enough so I can become a year-round Hamptons resident!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in the Hamptons?

PP: I love Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor; I could eat Chef Matty Boudreau’s food every day. They also serve the Cove Chiller, a watermelon cocktail made with Hamptons Salt!

How and where exactly are your salts produced?

PP: Our salts actually come from all over the globe! I try to find the best salts from great salt makers. For example, our Fleur de Sel is amazing and comes from Guérande, France. Our Hawaiian Red & Black salts come from a long time salt maker in Molokai. We have salts from Bali, Cyprus and many other countries.

I'm sure you've been asked this plenty, but here goes again: What makes your salts different from other company's salts?

PP: Our salts are 100% all-natural. In America, most salts are refined, stripped of natural minerals and then iodine and potentially unhealthy anti-caking agents are added. I didn’t feel like anyone was explaining that to consumers, and that is why I started Hamptons Salt Company. 

Peter and family on Long Island

Do you have a favorite salt in particular?

PP: Everyone should have our Cooking Salt and Finishing Salt in their pantry. They are the ultimate all-natural replacements for your standard box of kosher or iodized salt. Then you can experiment with one or two of the flavored or smoked salts. The Black Truffle is amazing with large chunks of truffle, and the only way my kids eat scrambled eggs! The Smoked Mesquite is perfect for that instant BBQ flavor. All the salts have full descriptions and suggested uses on our website.

What's coming up for the Hamptons Salt Company in the near-future? Any new products? Partnerships? Events?

PP: Our focus is on expanding our wholesale business into more markets, and continuing our social media growth so customers can get inspiration on how to use our salts. I love when customers share pictures of food they created with our products on social media! We are creating a community of foodies that like to share photos and recipes. Watch our social media channels for all updates on new products & events.

When not busy with your work, how do you like to spend your free time?

PP: My favorite things are a walk on the beach, a bike ride through the village, gelato from Sant Ambroeus and window-shopping. I always make a stop at Mecox Gardens & Marders for great home and garden inspiration.

Finally, Peter, what do you wish more people knew about Long Island?

PP: People need to take a detour off the Long Island Expressway. There are so many great towns to explore on Long Island all year-round. We are lucky to be surrounded by such natural beauty, beaches, agriculture, restaurants, shopping, wonderful people and towns with rich history.