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. Did you know you can make flavoured simple syrup too?
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.
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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.
Ashley
This actually looks so good!
Chef G
It is really good…perfect for gifts too.
Peggy
I wonder if it could be used as a condiment on the table to sprinkle a tab on appetizers? I intend to experiment. Thanks
Chef G
It is rather salty…so if you are careful perhaps.
Scott Groth
Always looking for new ways to incorporate fresh herbs for seasoning. Thanks for sharing!
Chef G
You will love this….great for so many things.
Chef G
Thanks so much for including my recipe in your link up!!
Megan
Which herbs do you prefer?
Chef G
You can use any you wish. I love basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano….they are all good.
Johnna
This would make such a lovely hostess gift. Thank you!
Chef G
Yes I happen to think so too.
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
Love Herbs and sea salt! Great combination! Awesome!
Chef G
Thanks…it is fun to make and goes in so many great recipes.
Liz
LOVE this idea! Great summer hostess gift!
Chef G
Yes it would make an awesome gift for sure.
Tanya@myforkinglife.com
OMG! I never heard of this method before. This is so needed in my life right know as I love cooking with fresh herbs. Can’t wait to try this.
Chef G
Hope you give it a try!!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
I would have never thought of making this but what a great idea. I bet it adds so much flavour to dishes
Chef G
It sure does. Easy and delicious.
gingey bites
I love this and really want to try it! Bookmarked, will let you know how it goes 🙂
Chef G
Hope you do, it really is a great way!!
J@BlessHerHeartYall
Oh my goodness does this sound good! I have needed this in my life and just never knew it! yum!
Chef G
It is so easy…and so awesome!!
Teresa
I have a huge bag of basil in my fridge right now – I might have to try this on the weekend! So easy and full of flavour.
Chef G
Hope you do try it.
Mairead
I’ve tried lots of ways to save my herbs, but never this! I think I’ll make this with the herbs left in my pots outside, it looks awesome!
Chef G
It has become my favourite way for sure.
The Food Hunter
never thought to do this…what a great idea
Chef G
I know, I am so glad my friend mentioned it to me.