Herbamare: The Versatile Kitchen Staple
Herbamare is an herbal seasoning salt created by Swiss naturopath Alfred Vogel, designed to replace conventional table salt with a more flavorful and nutrient-rich alternative. The original blend is crafted by steeping a mixture of 12 freshly harvested, organically grown herbs and vegetables in sea salt for up to 12 months. This unique process allows the essential oils and aromas to fully integrate into the salt crystals, creating a distinctive and aromatic seasoning. This comprehensive guide explores the many applications of Herbamare salt, showcasing its versatility and health benefits.
Perfect for Seasoning Vegetables
One of the most popular uses for Herbamare is to season vegetables, both raw and cooked. Simply sprinkling a pinch over a salad, steamed vegetables, or a platter of raw veggies adds a burst of savory flavor. For roasted vegetables, mixing Herbamare with olive oil before baking creates a beautifully seasoned and aromatic dish. Its herbal notes complement the natural sweetness of vegetables, making them more appealing and delicious. It's particularly fantastic on classics like roasted potatoes or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.
Enhancing Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
Herbamare is an excellent rub or seasoning for all kinds of protein. For meat, sprinkle it generously on steaks, chicken, or roasts before cooking to build a deep, flavorful crust. The savory blend pairs wonderfully with poultry, adding a complex taste that works well whether roasting, grilling, or sautéing. For fish and seafood, Herbamare brings a fresh, briny flavor that enhances rather than overwhelms the delicate taste. For a simple yet effective marinade, combine Herbamare with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The spicy variety of Herbamare adds an extra kick for grilling and BBQ.
Flavoring Soups, Sauces, and Stews
Herbamare is a perfect way to elevate the flavor of liquid-based dishes. In soups and stews, it adds a foundational layer of savory, herbal goodness. Simply add it in place of regular salt while simmering to infuse the entire pot. For homemade sauces and dressings, like a vinaigrette, Herbamare can be blended in to create a more dynamic flavor profile. The herbs and vegetables in the blend act like a bouillon cube, but with a fresher, more natural taste.
A Better Alternative to Table Salt
Because Herbamare is infused with a variety of herbs and vegetables, it delivers more flavor with less actual salt. A.Vogel's original Herbamare blend contains about one-third less sodium than regular table salt, making it a healthier choice for those watching their sodium intake. The inclusion of kelp provides naturally occurring iodine and other trace minerals, which are often absent in processed table salt.
Versatile Uses of Herbamare: A Comparison
| Culinary Application | Herbamare Benefits | Standard Salt Benefits | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Seasoning | Adds complex herbal and savory notes. | Provides basic saltiness. | Herbamare elevates flavor; salt adds a single dimension. |
| Meat & Poultry Rub | Creates a deep, aromatic flavor profile. | Seasons and helps tenderize. | Herbamare includes organic vegetables and herbs for enhanced taste. |
| Soup & Sauce Base | Infuses a natural, bouillon-like flavor. | Primarily provides sodium. | Herbamare adds complexity; salt provides simple seasoning. |
| Salad Dressing | Creates a vibrant, herbed vinaigrette. | Adds simple saltiness to dressings. | Herbamare offers a ready-made blend of herbs and salt. |
| Snacks (Popcorn, Nuts) | Adds a savory, non-overpowering seasoning. | Offers a basic salty crunch. | Herbamare provides a more gourmet, herbal flavor. |
| Healthier Option | Lower in sodium than regular table salt. | Typically higher in processed sodium. | Herbamare uses sea salt and organic herbs for a more balanced seasoning. |
Other Creative Uses for Herbamare
- Flavoring Grains: Stir a spoonful into cooking water for rice, quinoa, or pasta for a more flavorful result.
- Enhancing Eggs: Sprinkle Herbamare on fried eggs, omelets, or scrambled eggs for an instant flavor boost.
- Making Compound Butter: Mix Herbamare into softened butter to create a savory spread for toast, corn on the cob, or to melt over steak.
- Roasting Nuts: Toss nuts with olive oil and Herbamare before roasting for a simple, addictive snack.
- Simple Dips: Mix Herbamare into plain yogurt or sour cream for a quick, fresh dip for raw vegetables.
- Homemade Bread: Add Herbamare to homemade bread dough for a savory, herb-infused loaf.
Conclusion
Herbamare salt is more than just a seasoning; it is a kitchen workhorse that can effortlessly elevate the flavor of countless dishes. By replacing ordinary table salt with this organic, herb-infused blend, home cooks can add a layer of complex, savory flavor to vegetables, meats, and sauces while also making a slightly healthier choice. Its versatility and all-natural ingredients make it a worthwhile addition to any pantry, and once you start using it, it's easy to see why it has been a staple in European kitchens for decades. From simple snacks like popcorn to complex sauces, Herbamare provides a simple way to boost flavor and create more delicious, memorable meals.
For more information on the history and production of Herbamare, see A.Vogel's official resource: Herbamare: The better salt!
