Fresh Herb Salt is so easy to make. The perfect way to preserve all those wonderful garden and market herbs.
This herb-infused salt recipe is easy to make. Fresh herbs and coarse salt are all you need. This makes a GREAT hostess gift!! Culinary herbs made right at home.
Fresh herbs are so wonderful to have, I wish I could grow them all year long. There are so many deliciously creative ways to use them.
- Flavoured simple syrup with spearmint is perfect for adding to drinks.
- Infused cream cheese is great for bagels an more.
- Flavoured mayo is a must for burgers, sandwiches and as a dip too.
- Parsley sauce is great for pasta, grilled veggies and meats.
- Freezing fresh herbs in cubes is the perfect way to preserve them for winter cooking.
If you are a fan of compound butter, this vibrant green salt using fresh herbs will be right up your alley.
Recently a good friend of mine messaged me and asked if I had ever heard of herb-infused salt? Other than processed seasonings you find at the store, I said no.
Well, this got me curious as to what she was talking about. She had seen them at the local market, so I had to find out what this DIY herbal salt is all about.
After some research on the web, I found out that this has been done for years. This is a way to preserve fresh herbs. It seems to be very popular in Quebec and eastern Canada. Also known as Herbes Salées, it is made around the world, and there are slight variations as to how this is done.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this herb seasoning can be found at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients For This Culinary Salt
For this flavoured salt recipe you will need:
- fresh herbs
- garlic
- coarse salt
- food processor (or sharp knife)
- clean glass jar
When it comes to preserving, I opt for simple. Like really simple. I am not a canner. The quick and easy method works for me. Pickled eggs, zucchini pickles, and pickled onions are all reallly easy recipes.
I am always looking for herb recipes, and this green salt is a pretty cool addition to your kitchen spice collection.
Making Fresh Herb Salt
I looked at several methods and recipes. Some include completely drying the fresh herb mix. Others include the addition of vegetables in the blend.
There is no right or wrong method of doing this. It all boils down to personal preference. Since I am a spice collector, trying to make herb salt seemed like a great idea.
The process is very easy and works well with all my other preserving methods.
Step 1
Wash the herbs, remove any stalks/stems, spread on a cloth and let dry. I let them sit on the counter for about an hour before I used them.
Step 2
Place about 3 cups of herbs in a food processor, and add the garlic and the coarse salt. Pulse until it resembles a coarse grind. Be sure not to over-process as you do not want a paste/puree texture.
If you do not want to use a food processor, you can do everything by hand. Chop the herbs and garlic. Add the salt and continue to chop until you reach a coarse consistency.
Step 3
At this point, you can place your mixture directly into a jar. If you want it to be drier, spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a bit. I placed mine right in the jar.
Be sure to give it a good mix every day for about the first week.
Types Of Herbs For Infused Salts
You can create your own signature blend using any herb combination you wish. That is the neat thing, each time you make it, the flavours can be different.
Herbs that work well include:
- parsley
- dill
- mint
- oregano
- sage
- thyme
- cilantro
- rosemary
- basil
- savory
- coriander
So many great options for creating unique flavoured salt recipes. This will now keep for months in the fridge. You have some incredible-tasting herbs to add to your favourite recipes.
One word of caution, it is SALTY so you may have to make adjustments to the amount of additional salt you add to recipes.
Tips For Preserving Herbs In Salt
- Be sure to remove woody stalks before processing.
- Herbs must be washed and left to dry before processing.
- Very salty, so use sparingly.
- Always keep it in the fridge (not on the counter).
- Let sit for at least 7 days before using to allow the flavours to develop.
- Lasts for months.
- Makes a great food gift.
- Be sure to use coarse sea salt.
- Can be used on pizza, in soups, stews, and as a herb rub for meat and vegetables.
FAQ (Questions And Answers)
Kept in the fridge in a sealed container, it will last 4-6 months.
Yes, you can. The cold temperature does not affect the shelf life of salt.
Rinse well under cold water. A salad spinner is a great way to clean fresh herbs. Let them dry on a kitchen towel.
So what do you think? Does this homemade seasoned salt recipe sound interesting?
Check out my recipe for Simple Roasted Tomatoes. Use the bounty of market tomatoes to easily create wonderful sauces all winter long.
Need some flavours for the grill? This BBQ Seasonings Roundup has everything you need.
If you LOVE making recipes using fresh herbs, give these a try:
Homemade Fresh Herb Salt
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh herbs loosely packed
- ½ cup coarse sea salt
- 1 clove fresh garlic or more if you wish
Instructions
- Wash herbs, remove stalks/stems.
- Arrange in a single layer on a towel.
- Let air dry for about an hour until all moisture is gone.
- Place herbs in the food processor.
- Add garlic and salt.
- Process until it reaches a coarse consistency (DO NOT over process).
- Place in a jar, and keep in fridge. Be sure to give it a good mix/stir daily for about the first week.
Nutrition Information
Notes
If you don’t want to use a food processor, you can chop the herbs and garlic by hand. Add the salt and continue to chop until you reach that coarse consistency. **NOTE** Serving Size is calculated at 2 TSP but you may require MORE or LESS. Keep in mind this is VERY SALTY.
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
What a great holiday food gift!
Chef G
I agree!!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
This is so wonderful! I mean, the freezer olive oil method is fine, but when I’m cooking for just one person, that’s just a lot of oil for me! This, is just perfect!
Chef G
It really is a great way!!
Boastful Food
Such a great idea for using up leftover herbs! I’m definitely going to try this. Thanks for sharing such a great tip! You mentioned it would keep for months in the fridge, but just curious if there is any change in color or taste after a while?
Chef G
I just made mine a few weeks ago, but so far no.
Nayna Kanabar
This herb salt looks wonderful and so useful to add to dishes to flavour them.
Chef G
It works really well.
Sarah
This is so clever, especially with summer coming to an end and my herbs starting to die on me. Thanks for the info!
Chef G
You are welcome….enjoy!!
IGOR @ COOKING THE GLOBE
Perfect way to preserve herbs. I am bookmarking this one and trying soon!
Chef G
Hope you love it!!
Liz Mays
This is so neat! I’d love to make some of this to use in some recipes. I’ve never done something like this before!
Chef G
This was my first time…and I love it.
Veena Azmanov
I have done the puree and freeze into cubes but never herb salt. SO looking forward to trying this out
Thank so much Gloria
Chef G
It is so easy….and works great in so many dishes.
Kerri
This seems likes the perfect way to liven up a meal. I am sure it adds a great taste to many meals.
Chef G
It is great in so many things.
Star Traci
I had never heard of this but it looks terrific. We are planning to build a garden including herbs, at our new home. I think we will have to try this out.
🙂
Traci
Chef G
It intrigued me so I had to give it a try.
Laura Funk
I had never heard of herb salt until just now. I have a TON of fresh basil and cilantro. I just need to get some course salt and try this. Sounds really wonderful
Chef G
Have fun….you will LOVE it!!
Alicia Taylor
My basil thanks you! It’s taking over everything and I didn’t know what to do with it all. Now, I know what’s on all my favorite cooks Christmas list…. even thoug it’s only August!
Chef G
There you go….a solution to your problem. Enjoy!!
Heather Lawrence
I have never heard/seen this before. I am going to have to ask my family back east if they use this as it’s not something we normally use here in the west.
Chef G
Yeah…maybe they have heard of it.
Renz
This looks amazing. I was wondering where it would be used, thanks for the suggestions. Really a great way to preserve your herbs longer
Chef G
It can be used for so many things.
Helene Cohen Bludman
I am so going to try this! I love the idea of combining fresh herbs with salt.
Chef G
Have fun….ENJOY!!