I'm in Trouble Now---with Herbal Salts

I'm in Trouble Now---with Herbal Salts

A friend of mine shared with me a recipe for making Chive salts and I was immediately hooked.  What a wonderful idea!  A blend of salt and dried herbs.  Not only useful but so lovely.  A product that blends the natural aromatics and benefits of dried herbs with the robust, mineral-rich qualities of salt. They can elevate your culinary creations, serve as thoughtful gifts, or even play a role in home spa treatments.  I was excited to learn more about them and how they can be used.  I was thinking---I'm in trouble now.  I feel myself getting a little crazy with this.  Let's take a little journey together and learn a little more about it all.

What Are Herbal Salts?

Herbal salts are essentially a combination of coarse salt—such as sea salt or kosher salt—and dried herbs. The herbs infuse the salt with flavor, aroma, and, occasionally, a hint of the herbs’ natural properties. Whether you’re looking for a finishing seasoning for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or an ingredient for your DIY bath salts, these blends add an elegant twist to everyday products. When preparing herbal salts for the kitchen, always ensure you use food-grade herbs and keep moisture at bay by using only thoroughly dried botanicals.

Culinary Uses

Finishing Touch: Sprinkle herbal salts over dishes just before serving to add a burst of flavor and a pleasing crunch. They’re perfect on salads, soups, meats, and vegetables.

Seasoning Blends: Use them as a base for marinades or rubs. When combined with olive oil and lemon juice, they can enhance the flavor profile of grilled fish or chicken.

Snack Enhancer: A pinch on freshly popped popcorn or crunchy roasted nuts can transform a simple snack into something gourmet.

Therapeutic and Cosmetic Uses

Bath Salts: Combine herbal salts with essential oils and a few other natural ingredients to create relaxing bath salts. The herbal notes can enhance a soothing soak after a long day.

Exfoliating Scrubs: Mix herbal salts with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil) to create a natural exfoliating scrub for the body. The salt removes dead skin cells while the herbs provide stimulating aromatherapy benefits.

Note: When using salts for skin applications, ensure the blend is appropriate for topical use, and always patch-test to avoid irritation.

Recipes for Herbal Salts

Okay, so I'll share the Chive Salt recipe here:

Chive salt is a fantastic way to preserve the bright, onion-like flavor of chives while adding depth to your seasonings. It’s simple to make and incredibly versatile. Here’s a recipe along with some creative ways to use it.

Chive Salt Recipe
Ingredients:

1 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt

½ cup fresh chives, finely chopped (and include the pretty blossoms too)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) or set a dehydrator to low heat (about 100°F).

Spread the chopped chives evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Dry the chives in the oven for 30–45 minutes, checking periodically. They should be crisp but not browned. If using a dehydrator, it may take a few hours.

Once dry, crumble the chives slightly and mix them with the sea salt.

For a finer texture, pulse the mixture in a food processor or spice grinder for a few seconds (optional).

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. 

Ways to Use Chive Salt
✔ Seasoning for Roasted Vegetables – Sprinkle over potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower before roasting for a savory twist.

✔ Eggs & Omelets – A pinch enhances scrambled eggs, frittatas, or quiches beautifully.

✔ Finishing Salt for Meats & Fish – Adds a delicate oniony kick to grilled steak, salmon, or chicken.

✔ Popcorn & Snack Boost – A sprinkle on homemade popcorn or roasted nuts makes an addictive snack.

✔ Butter & Dips Infusion – Stir into softened butter for a quick herb butter or mix into sour cream for a flavorful dip.

✔ Baking Addition – Works surprisingly well in savory scones, biscuits, or cornbread recipes.

✔ Bread Toppings – Dust onto warm focaccia or dinner rolls for an aromatic touch.

Below are a few creative recipes using other herbs to inspire your next batch:

1. Rosemary Garlic Salt
Ingredients:

1 cup coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)

1 tablespoon dried rosemary (crushed or finely chopped)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (choose a high-quality, dry garlic powder to avoid moisture)

Optional: A pinch of dried thyme for an extra herbal note

Method:

In a bowl, combine the salt, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and thyme.

Mix thoroughly to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed.

For a finer texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor.

Spread the blend out on a baking sheet and let it rest at room temperature for a few hours to ensure complete dryness.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

2. Herb de Provence Salt
Ingredients:

1 cup coarse sea salt

1 teaspoon dried lavender buds

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 teaspoon dried savory

Optional: Zest of one lemon (dried out in a low oven or dehydrator)

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well mixed.

Ensure the lemon zest is fully dried for storage stability.

Let the salt blend rest in an open container for a day to allow flavors to meld.

Store in a sealed jar. Use as a unique finishing salt on poultry, fish, or even roasted veggies for a taste of Provence.

3. Savory Citrus Herb Salt
Ingredients:

1 cup coarse salt

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried parsley

Zest of 1 orange or lemon (dried)

Method:

Toast the citrus zest lightly on medium heat for 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant (ensuring it’s dry but not browned).

Combine with the salt and herbs in a bowl, and mix well.

Allow the blend to sit for a few hours for the flavors to meld.

Perfect for drizzling over fish or fresh salads.

4. DIY Exfoliating Herbal Salt Scrub
Ingredients:

1 cup coarse salt (sea salt works best)

2–3 tablespoons dried chamomile or lavender (for a relaxing scent)

1/2 cup carrier oil (coconut oil or olive oil)

Optional: 5–10 drops of an essential oil (such as peppermint or eucalyptus) for extra stimulation

Method:

In a bowl, mix the salt and dried herbs until evenly distributed.

Gradually add the carrier oil and mix until you achieve a grainy, scrub-like texture.

Stir in the essential oil if using, and adjust the amount of oil if you want a wetter or drier scrub.

Use immediately or store in an airtight jar. For the best experience, use in the shower and rinse off thoroughly.

Tips for Customizing Your Herbal Salts
Experiment with ratios: A typical ratio might be about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs per cup of salt, but feel free to adjust based on the potency of the herb or your personal taste.

Enhance texture: For a smoother blend, pulse in a food processor, but be cautious not to grind too fine if you prefer a crunchy finish.

Blend spices: Consider adding other complementary spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even a hint of citrus powder for an extra layer of complexity.

Storage: Always store your herbal salts in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight to maintain their flavor and texture over time.

Does that get your motor running?  It has mine.  There are endless combos and possibilities!  Have fun.