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Homemade Fresh Herb Salt

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Fresh Herb Salt is so easy to make. The perfect way to preserve all those wonderful garden and market herbs.

This infused salt recipe is easy to make. Fresh herbs and coarse salt are all you need. This makes a GREAT hostess gift!!

Freshly made herb salt in a jar.

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 herb 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.

A clove of garlic, fresh rosemary and basil on the counter.

I looked at several methods and recipes. Food & Wine has a recipe that completely dries the herb salt blend. The Healthy Foodie uses the traditional Quebec recipe that includes the addition of vegetables. Well Preserved uses a “layering” method in the 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 REALLY easy recipes.

HOW TO MAKE HERB SALT

There is no right or wrong method of doing this. It all boils down to personal preference. Since I am a sort of a spice collector, trying this was right up my alley. My recipe was adapted from The Prarie Homestead.

A bowl of fresh basil and some sea salt in a measuring cup.

It’s so great getting all the wonderful fresh herbs. This summer I am going to have my own fresh herb garden. I am SO excited. This preserving method is different from the regular freezing in oil method. You know the one where you put fresh herbs and oil in an ice cube tray. If not, The Kitchn has a great post on it.  I have a lot of cubes in my freezer right now.

For this flavoured salt recipe you will need:

The process is VERY EASY and works well with all my other preserving methods. 

Wash the herbs, remove any stalks/stems, and spread on a cloth and let dry. I let them sit on the counter for about an hour before I used them.

Herbs and salt in the food processor.

Place about 3 cups of herbs in a food processor, 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.

Freshly made herb salt in a jar.

At this point, you can place your mixture directly into a jar. If you want it to be drier, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a bit. I placed mine right in the jar.

TYPES OF HERBS FOR INFUSED SALT

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.

A spoonful of herb salt.

One word of caution, it is SALTY so you may have to make adjustments to the amount of additional salt you add to recipes.

FRESH HERB SALT TIPS

  • 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 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 a rub for meat and vegetables.

A jar of the preserved herbs in salt ready to place in the fridge.

So what do you think? Does this recipe sound interesting? Next time you want to try some easy preserving, Fresh Herb Salt has got to be the easiest method I know.

What combination of herbs do you want to try first?

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Check out my recipe for Simple Roasted Tomatoes. Use the bounty of market tomatoes to easily create wonderful sauces all winter long.

Fresh Herb Salt Pin Image

Freshly made herb salt in a jar.

Homemade Fresh Herb Salt

Homemade Fresh Herb Salt is so easy to make. The perfect way to preserve all those wonderful garden/market herbs.
5 from 30 votes
Print Rate Recipe Collections
Course: Preserving
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Homemade Seasoning
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 1/4 cups
Author: Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh herbs loosely packed
  • 1/2 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.

Notes

This will keep for months in the fridge.
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.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda

    May 20, 2019 at 6:37 AM

    I don’t think I’ve ever had fresh herb salt! The color is absolutely gorgeous and I can think of so many ways to incorporate this into my spring and summer cooking. This is a fantastic way to use my herb garden! I always seem to have so much more basil, especially, than I know what to do with. I’d love to give this as a hostess gift, too!

    Reply

  2. Jo

    May 20, 2019 at 2:06 AM

    This is really interesting. I love herbal salt but never tried it at home. Got to try this soon. It sure looks amazing!

    Reply

  3. Amanda

    May 19, 2019 at 10:08 AM

    I can never get enough fresh herbs, and turning them into a flavorful salt is a brilliant idea! There are so many delicious herb combinations that would work beautifully. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  4. Saima

    May 19, 2019 at 2:17 AM

    What a brilliant, brilliant way to use herbs! I confess, I had never even heard of herb salt before coming across your recipe, but it is such a simple, wonderful recipe that I’m going to have to try it soon. And you’re so right. It will make for such a neat little gift too!

    Reply

  5. ana

    May 19, 2019 at 2:04 AM

    I’m totally doing this! What a pretty salt! That green salt would look amazing on some margaritas. Pinning it!

    Reply

  6. Kelly Anthony

    May 18, 2019 at 7:36 PM

    What a great way to use up the herbs from our garden! SO simple. How cute would little bottles of this be as place card holders for a summer brunch or luncheon?! It’s beautiful!

    Reply

  7. Debbie

    May 17, 2019 at 11:02 PM

    What a wonderful Idea!! I have an herb garden and in the summer when it is over grown I waste so many herbs when I trim it back. I have a feeling I will have several jars of herb salts in my fridge. Thanks!!!

    Reply

  8. Julie

    May 17, 2019 at 4:32 PM

    Great idea! We have so many herbs growing on our balcony and I never know how to use them all. This is a perfect way to continue to enjoy them long after the summer growing season has ended.

    Reply

  9. Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen

    May 17, 2019 at 9:30 AM

    I’ve never heard of this before, but what a great idea! I hate throwing out fresh herbs (but often do!), bookmarking this to start preserving them ASAP!

    Reply

  12. Trish Bozeman

    May 14, 2019 at 10:34 AM

    THIS IS GENIUS! I can’t believe I haven’t seen this before. We are moving into our first house in just a few weeks and one of the first things I’m going to do is plant an herb garden. I’m bookmarking this for when I have fresh herbs! Fantastic.

    Reply

  13. Jenni LeBaron

    May 13, 2019 at 2:11 PM

    This salt is such a brilliant idea. I love that you can use it on so many things! I’m already salivating thinking about sprinkling it on top of eggs, hummus, and pasta! I also think this would be a wonderful item to stick in a culinary gift basket!

    Reply

  15. Dana

    May 13, 2019 at 12:12 PM

    What a great way to use up herbs! I always end up with an abundance of leftover herbs and I hate hate hate when I forget about them and they just wilt away in the fridge. I can’t wait to give this a go. Perfect for that summer-y seasonal flare.

    Reply

  16. Lois Christensen

    May 13, 2019 at 10:08 AM

    Love how it’s going to last for awhile too! Looks perfect for so many different recipes. I’m going to try this over the summer with the fresh herbs from our garden.

    Reply

  17. J. J. Stewart

    May 11, 2019 at 4:15 PM

    This is just the type of recipe I need and want!! We use a lot of salt and one thing I believe makes all the difference in the world is adequately seasoning food whether it’s before grilling or after. I’m the grill master in the family. 😂I now have plans for all the herbs I’ll be planting. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply

  18. Marisa F. Stewart

    May 11, 2019 at 2:14 PM

    I love that idea!! We are planning on growing lots of herbs this summer and the seasoned salt would be so fantastic to have on hand. There are so many variations I’m thinking about. Rosemary and basil are at the top of my list. The combinations are endless. Thank you!!

    Reply

  19. Tina

    May 11, 2019 at 10:07 AM

    I have never tried this before. How exciting. I think this would make a unique hostess gift, don’t you think? Anyways, definitely going to try this and I’m pinning this for future reference. Thanks Gloria!

    Reply

  21. Denise

    May 9, 2019 at 6:36 AM

    This is such a good idea! I had 4 packages of herbs last week for 1 recipe and I made so many. herbs sauces I’m sick of herbs. LOL! I wish I had seen this recipe before then. We love flavored salts and this will have that fresh component too. Great post!

    Reply

  22. Veena Azmanov

    May 9, 2019 at 1:35 AM

    Simple, yet so very special and perfect to make dishes amazing. Thanks for this amazing recipe and ideas too.

    Reply

  23. Jolina

    May 8, 2019 at 4:41 PM

    I can already imagine all the delicious ways we’re going to use this! Such a clever way to preserve herbs. How do we make sure our mixture stays dry (or is it supposed to be a little damp?)

    Reply

  24. Natalie

    May 8, 2019 at 10:23 AM

    I always wanted to make herbed salt but never found good recipe. But this is it. This recipe is super easy and sounds really flavorful and perfect to add to any dish. I love it. I will definitely give this recipe a try.

    Reply

  25. Michelle

    May 8, 2019 at 9:44 AM

    What a great idea and so easy to do too! Such a great way to preserve herbs, I always seem to end up with lots of herbs so this will be a great way to reduce my food waste too.

    Reply

  26. Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter

    May 8, 2019 at 9:34 AM

    Wow, what a fantastic way to preserve herbs and add extra flavours into my meals! Will definitely be making this recipe, thank you so much for sharing:)

    Reply

  28. Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life

    May 8, 2019 at 8:55 AM

    This is a brilliant idea! What a great way to preserve herbs and easily add extra flavor to every day dishes. I love that it keeps for months in the refrigerator.

    Reply

  29. Louise Smith

    July 28, 2018 at 10:32 PM

    My Grandmother always did green onions like this. She would use the left over green parts. She always used it in soups.

    Reply

  31. Monica | Nourish & Fete

    January 8, 2018 at 8:33 PM

    This looks like such a fun process, not to mention a great way to keep herbs! Plus I can imagine hundreds of uses for the salts on all types of dishes. Pinning to try this next time I have an excess of fresh herbs!

    Reply

  34. Julie

    January 7, 2018 at 4:05 PM

    What a great way to save summer herbs to use later! If you let the mixture dry out on a sheet for a little while, does it still have to be refrigerated?

    Reply

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