The word "Afrina" is the local name for what is known as Flower of Salt or Fleur de sel. Afrina is produced only in the salt flats of Messolonghi, where the right climatic and soil conditions exist. A thin crust of the first salt forms on the surface of the salt pans. Gradually, with the wind, this crust is blown away and settles like foam on the sides of the salt pans. Then, when this foam dries, it is collected exclusively by hand by specialized workers using wooden tools. Afrina is the first harvest of the salt flats. It is the purest form of salt and has a completely different taste from regular salt. Afrina is "sweeter" with a less pronounced salty flavor.