Preserving Fresh Herbs: Salts & Oils

05 Sep Preserving Fresh Herbs: Salts & Oils

Fresh herbs can be used in a variety of ways.  Most often they can replace their dried counterparts in any recipe.  I prefer to use fresh herbs when they are available and the farm offers so many wonderful options both in our shares and in the pick-your-own herb boxes- fresh basil, cilantro, thyme, lemon verbena, marjoram, etc.  This week’s recipes showcase three different ways to use fresh herbs.

Herb Salt

Ingredients:
1 cup sea salt
1 cup fresh herbs (leaves only), packed

• Clean and dry herbs.
• Combine salt and herb leaves in a food processor. Process until the herbs are very finely chopped.
• Preheat oven to 200°
• Transfer salt and herb mixture to a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread into a thin layer.

• Bake for 20 minutes. Stir and return to oven for 15-20 minutes more.
• Remove and make sure the herb salt is nice and dry.
• Allow to cool on counter. Once cool, break up any areas that got stuck together.  Store in an airtight container.
• Use herb salt to season vegetables, proteins, pizza, pastas, and even popcorn!

Herb Oil

Ingredients:
½ cup fresh herbs, packed
1 cup olive oil
Glass jar with lid

• Clean and dry herbs.
• Pack herbs into the glass jar.
• Pour in the olive oil and make sure all of the herbs are covered. You can add more oil if you need to.
• Cover and allow to sit for at least two weeks.

• Once the oil has infused for a few weeks, strain. The herbs can be thrown out and the oil can be stored in an airtight container.
• Herb oils can be used in salad dressings, marinades, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Basil Dipping Oil

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1 cup olive oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp sea salt

• Clean and dry basil.
• Place all ingredients in a food processor. Process until garlic cloves and basil are finely chopped.
• Pour onto a shallow plate and use as a dipping sauce for fresh bread or serve as a sauce on your favorite pasta.

Recipe and photos by Stephanie Borzio.  Stephanie is a mom of three active boys and is an autoimmune warrior.  After battling her own health for several years, Stephanie found healing through food and lifestyle changes, including joining Blooming Glen Farm CSA of which she is a long time member.  She is a Board Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who is passionate about sharing healthy living tips and real food recipes.  Instagram and Facebook: Tru You Essentials; Website: www.truyouessentials.com