Bright, fragrant, and easy to make, chive blossom salt is a beautiful way to preserve the delicate flavor of spring herbs while elevating simple meals with a burst of floral and citrus notes. This vibrant seasoning combines coarse sea salt with freshly picked chive blossoms and lemon zest, resulting in a colorful and aromatic blend perfect for sprinkling over eggs, fish, roasted vegetables, or even warm bread with butter.
Whether you’re new to making flavored salts or simply looking for a way to make the most of your herb garden, this recipe is a rewarding kitchen project that requires little effort and yields big flavor.
Why Make Your Own Chive Blossom Salt?
- Preserve Seasonal Herbs – Captures the fleeting freshness of chive blossoms and lemon zest at their peak.
- Adds Visual Appeal – The purple blossoms lend a lovely color that brightens your spice rack and your plate.
- Customizable – This base recipe can be adapted with other herbs or edible flowers for unique variations.
- Versatile in the Kitchen – A finishing salt that works beautifully on savory dishes from morning eggs to evening roasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 300 grams coarse sea salt – Provides the perfect texture for a finishing salt and allows other flavors to shine.
- 1 cup chive blossoms – Use only clean, fully dry blossoms to avoid moisture-related clumping or spoilage.
- Zest of 1 large organic lemon – Adds a bright, citrusy lift that complements the floral chives.
Recommended Equipment
- Small baking tray – For spreading the mixture evenly during the drying process.
- Parchment paper – Prevents the salt from sticking and helps with cleanup.
- Grater or zester – To finely grate the lemon peel without including the bitter white pith.
- Clean glass jar with airtight lid – For storing the finished salt and preserving its aroma and color.
- Food-safe drying screen or mesh cover (optional) – Helps keep the mixture clean during air drying.
- Oven (optional) – Speeds up the drying process if you’re short on time.
How to Make Chive Blossom Salt
Step 1: Prep the Tray
Line a small baking tray with parchment paper. This keeps the salt mixture from sticking and allows for easy transfer later.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place the sea salt, chive blossoms, and lemon zest onto the tray. Using your hands, gently rub everything together to help release the natural oils and aromas into the salt. Then spread the mixture into an even layer.
Step 3: Choose a Drying Method
Air Drying (2–4 days):
Cover the tray loosely with a food-safe mesh or drying screen to keep dust and insects away. Let the salt dry at room temperature, stirring once or twice a day to ensure even drying and prevent clumping.
Oven Drying (1–2 hours):
Preheat your oven to 50°C (122°F) and place the tray inside with the door slightly open. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Once the mixture is completely dry and crisp, remove and let it cool fully.
Step 4: Store the Salt
Transfer the fully dried salt to a clean, dry jar with an airtight lid. Label it with the date and ingredients if desired. Store in a cool, dark place away from humidity and sunlight to preserve its color and fragrance.
Tips for Success
- Start with dry blossoms – Moisture is the enemy of flavored salts. Make sure your chive blossoms are clean and fully dry before mixing.
- Use coarse sea salt – Avoid iodized table salt, which can overpower the gentle floral and citrus notes.
- Stir while drying – Regularly stirring the salt helps prevent clumps and promotes even dehydration.
- Avoid plastic storage – Glass jars are ideal for preserving flavor and preventing moisture buildup.
How to Use Chive Blossom Salt
This herbaceous salt is a great way to finish and brighten dishes:
- Sprinkle over scrambled or poached eggs
- Dust onto roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables
- Add a pinch to steamed fish or pan-seared chicken
- Use as a topping for freshly baked focaccia or flatbread
- Blend into homemade compound butter or vinaigrettes
Creative Variations
Looking to experiment? Try swapping or adding ingredients to make your own signature salt blend:
- Lavender and rosemary for a calming, aromatic salt
- Lemon balm and mint for a refreshing twist
- Edible rose petals for a floral finish to baked goods
- Dill and fennel fronds for a briny, anise-like flavor ideal with seafood
Final Thoughts: A Simple Luxury in a Jar
Chive blossom salt is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re preserving your spring herb harvest or just looking for a unique handmade gift, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of the garden into your kitchen.
A sprinkle goes a long way—both in flavor and charm.
Chive Blossom Salt
Equipment
- Small baking tray
- – Parchment paper
- Grater or zester
- Clean glass jar with airtight lid
- Food-safe mesh or drying cover (optional)
- Oven (optional for faster drying)
Ingredients
- 300 g coarse sea salt
- 1 cup chive blossoms
- Zest of 1 large organic lemon finely grated
Instructions
- Line a small baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place the sea salt, chive blossoms, and grated lemon zest on the tray.
- Use your hands to gently rub the mixture together, then spread it into an even layer.
- Cover with a food-safe mesh or drying umbrella and let dry at room temperature for 2–4 days, stirring occasionally to promote even drying.
- Alternatively, dry the mixture in the oven at 50°C (122°F) for 1–2 hours with the door slightly open. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent clumping.
- Once completely dry, transfer the mixture to a clean, dry jar with an airtight lid for storage.