Alda the mermaid adorns the boxes of Nordur Arctic Sea Salt Flakes offering fistfuls of salt crystals. The company makes the coarse sea salt in a facility on tiny Karlsey Island in Breidafjordur Bay in western Iceland, where, according to the legend described on the box, you may still hear this goddess of the sea sing on quiet nights. To make the crunchy flakes, the company uses energy from geothermal hot springs and modern versions of techniques first devised in 1753, and still racks the salt by hand. Pure tasting with a bright flavor and not too briny, it’s used for a finishing salt ($12 for 8.8 ounces). Nordur also produces flavored salts infused with fruits. There is a blueberry salt, and a sprinkling can add a fruity hint and crunchy surprise to ice cream. The rhubarb gives a fruity tartness that balances the richness of salmon. Dust the licorice salt on a salad or eggs ($15 for 4.5 ounces). Available at Black Ink, 101 Charles St., Boston, 617-723-3883, and 5 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-497-1221; Dave’s Fresh Pasta, 81 Holland St., Somerville, 617-623-0867; Jones Farm, 246 Acton Road, Chelmsford, 978-256-8065; Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market, 8 Hayward St., Ipswich, 978-356-6941, or go to www.salttraders.com. ANN TRIEGER KURLAND