Herb Salt

Dried herbs blended with sea salt — a finishing staple you can make from any fresh herb.

Commercial seasoned salts often contain anti-caking agents, artificial flavors, and fillers. Herb salt is two ingredients: fresh herbs and coarse sea salt. The salt draws moisture from the herbs and preserves them — no dehydrator required, though one makes it significantly faster.

Basil salt goes with everything Italian. Rosemary-thyme works on roasted vegetables and meat. Dill salt is excellent on eggs, fish, and potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh herb leaves (basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, or a blend), loosely packed
  • ½ cup coarse sea salt

Instructions

  1. If using a food dehydrator: spread herb leaves on trays in a single layer. Dehydrate at 95°F (35°C) for 2–4 hours until brittle and crumbling. Cool completely before blending.
  2. If air-drying: spread herb leaves on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Leave at room temperature in a dry, well-ventilated spot for 3–5 days until fully dry and crumbling.
  3. Combine dried herbs and sea salt in a food processor. Pulse 10–15 times until coarsely blended — you want texture, not a fine powder.
  4. Alternatively, crush together in a mortar and pestle for a more rustic, chunky texture.
  5. Spread the finished herb salt on a sheet pan for 30 minutes to let any remaining moisture escape, then transfer to a sealed jar.
  6. Store at room temperature, away from light and heat, for up to 6 months.

Tips

Tip 1

Salt ratio matters for preservation: at least 1 part salt to 2 parts herbs by volume keeps it shelf-stable.

Tip 2

For color-safe basil salt: use the dehydrator method — air-drying at room temperature browns basil quickly.

Tip 3

Finish a fried egg with dill salt, steak with rosemary-thyme salt, or roasted tomatoes with basil salt.

What you'll need

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