Nasturtium salt adds a peppery and salty note to food. Here’s how to make it, along with variations to try and how to use it to add flavour.
There are many benefits to growing nasturtiums in the edible garden aside from the sheer beauty of their cascading green leaves and vibrant flowers. This sacrificial plant not only lures bees to its flowers and a range of garden pests away from prized crops, the leaves, flowers and seeds are edible, making it a must-have in the garden.
In this article, I’ll be sharing an easy way to make use of nasturtium leaves but making nasturtium salt that can be used to flavour food. Nasturtiums have a peppery note and when combined with salt, they become a condiment that can have many uses in the kitchen.
Making nasturtium salt is an easy process that requires little effort. All you need is an oven and a type of food processor be it a blender, a NutriBullet even a mortar and pestle will do. You can use a dehydrator but as I don’t have one, my recipe uses the oven method.
Nasturtiums are a popular edible flower that can add a burst of color and flavor to many dishes Their brightly colored orange, yellow, and red blossoms have a pleasant peppery taste. When dried, nasturtium flowers retain much of their vibrant color and spicy flavor. Dried nasturtiums make an excellent peppery seasoning and colorful garnish to use in recipes all year long With just a few simple steps, you can easily dry your own nasturtium flowers at home to enjoy their beauty and taste.
Why Dry Nasturtium Flowers
Fresh nasturtium flowers only last about 5-7 days when picked, so drying them extends their usefulness in the kitchen Dried nasturtiums are a handy pantry staple and can be
- Used as a substitute for pepper. Their mild peppery taste naturally flavors dishes.
- Added as a colorful garnish to salads, pastas, grains, and more.
- Blended into herbed salts, sugars, and vinegars to impart extra flavor.
- Infused into oils and liquors to extract their essence.
- Mixed into teas and tisanes as an aromatic and antioxidant.
Drying concentrates the inherent peppery flavor of the blossoms. An added benefit is that the drying process often intensifies their bright colors too.
How to Dry Nasturtium Flowers
Harvest Flowers at Peak Quality
Pick nasturtium flowers just after they have fully opened when their color is most vibrant. Handle the delicate blossoms gently to avoid bruising. Check for and remove any bugs before drying. Give flowers a good shake and look closely for aphids before using.
Dry Quickly and Evenly
To retain the best flavor and color, it’s important to dry the blossoms quickly and evenly. There are a few effective methods you can use:
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Air Drying: Tie small bunches of stems together and hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark place. This can take 1-2 weeks.
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Dehydrator: Arrange individual flowers in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry at 95-115°F until crisp, about 2 to 4 hours.
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Oven: Spread flowers evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Prop oven door open slightly and dry at the lowest temperature setting for 2 to 4 hours.
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Microwave: Place flowers between paper towels and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid scorching.
Store in Airtight Containers
Once fully dried, the flowers will be brittle and crumble easily. Store the dried blossoms in airtight glass jars or resealable plastic bags. Keep in a cool, dark place and use within 1 year. For longest shelf life, store dried flowers in the freezer where they will keep for 2 to 3 years.
How to Use Dried Nasturtiums
Dried nasturtium flowers are incredibly versatile. Here are some of the most popular ways to use them:
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Season Savory Dishes: Sprinkle on salads, pasta, pizza, eggs, cheese, and more as an edible garnish. Mix into rice, grains, dips, spreads, soups, stews, and sauces.
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Create Infused Oils and Vinegars: Steep flowers in vinegar for a few weeks then strain. Infuse olive or vegetable oil for 1-2 weeks. Use for salads and cooking.
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Make Herbed Salts and Sugars: Blend dried flowers into sea salt or sugar. Use to rim glasses or sprinkle on foods. Mix with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lavender.
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Brew Flower Teas: Add nasturtiums to herbal tea blends for antioxidant benefits and aroma.
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Craft Liqueurs: Infuse flowers in vodka or gin for 2-4 weeks to create colorful cocktails.
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Use as Natural Food Coloring: In place of artificial dyes, use the dried flowers to gently tint frostings, jams, and more.
With their culinary versatility and long shelf life, dried nasturtium blossoms are a handy and healthy pantry staple. Their uses are limited only by your imagination. Let the vibrant nasturtium flower be your new go-to spice for adding a pop of flavor and color to all kinds of recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dry nasturtium flowers in the oven?
To dry nasturtiums in the oven, spread the flowers evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Keep the oven door propped open slightly and dry at the lowest temperature setting for 2 to 4 hours until crisp.
Can you dry nasturtium flowers in a dehydrator?
Yes, a dehydrator is an excellent way to dry nasturtium blossoms. Arrange individual flowers in a single layer on the trays. Dehydrate at 95-115°F for 2 to 4 hours until completely dried out.
How long do dried nasturtium flowers last?
Properly stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place, dried nasturtium flowers will last for about 1 year. For maximum shelf life, store the dried flowers in the freezer where they can keep for 2 to 3 years.
What’s the best way to store dried nasturtiums?
The best storage method is in airtight glass jars or resealable plastic bags in a cool, dark cupboard or freezer. Exposure to light, air, heat, or moisture will cause them to lose color and flavor faster.
Can you dry nasturtium leaves too?
Yes, nasturtium leaves can also be dried using any of the methods suggested for the flowers. The dried leaves have a concentrated peppery flavor and make an interesting salt or seasoning blend.
Drying your own homegrown nasturtium flowers is simple and adds a pop of flavor and color to recipes all year long. With proper harvesting, drying, and storage techniques, you can enjoy their beauty and taste long after summer has ended. Get creative using dried nasturtiums to spice up your cooking and DIY projects.
How to Use Nasturtium Salt
Nasturtium salt adds a peppery and salty note to food and is an alternative to salt and pepper. Use it to flavour marinades, salads, baked vegetables, scrambled eggs, sauces, roast chicken and meats even as a seasoning for chips. For something a little different, you can use it to cure fish such as salmon. In cocktails, it makes a great edible garnish and it can be used to rim a glass.
Next time you’re making a batch, keep in mind that nasturtium salt is a great edible gift to share with friends and family. And if you do make it, tag @the.gourmanticgarden on instagram so we can see it.