Create Your Own Herb Seasoning Blend from Your Greenhouse Garden
For years, creating gluten-free meals for my young son felt like walking a tightrope. Store-bought seasonings were often off-limits due to hidden gluten or cross-contamination risks. On top of that, gluten-free options were expensive and often had to be specially ordered—sometimes at a ridiculously high price. But that challenge inspired me to start making my own herb seasoning blends, straight from my greenhouse garden.
Now, it's more than a necessity—it’s a joy. Growing and blending herbs has become a family tradition, connecting us to the food we prepare and the memories we create in the kitchen. I want to share this simple, step-by-step guide with you, so you can enjoy the same satisfaction of crafting your own seasoning blends, free from any unwanted additives. And this isn’t just for those who need gluten-free options—it’s for anyone who loves enjoying delicious, flavorful meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
What You'll Need
• Fresh herbs from your greenhouse
• A pair of scissors or herb snips
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Oven or dehydrator
• Spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle
• Airtight jars or containers
• Labels (optional)
1. Choose Your Herbs
For our family, certain herbs have become staples: oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. My son loves Italian-inspired meals (he’s Italian!), so an Italian seasoning blend is always on hand. Some of our favorite combinations include:
- Italian Blend: Basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley
- Herbes de Provence: Lavender, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, savory
- Custom Blend: Play around and create something uniquely yours!
I still remember his excitement when we first used our own blend on a homemade pizza crust—it was a game-changer! Harvest your herbs early in the morning from your greenhouse when their oils are at their peak for the best flavor.
2. Wash and Dry
Give your herbs a gentle rinse under cool water. After washing, pat them dry with a clean towel and let them air dry for at least an hour.
3. Dry the Herbs
Drying is where the magic happens:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 180°F (or the lowest setting). Spread the herbs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2-4 hours, checking frequently, until they crumble easily.
- Dehydrator Method: Place herbs in your dehydrator according to its instructions. This method works best if you want to preserve the vibrant color and flavor.
4. Crush and Mix
Once the herbs are fully dried, the fun part begins! Remove any tough stems and use a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle to crush them. There’s something satisfying about watching the herbs transform into fragrant, colorful powders.
5. Store Your Blend
Transfer your seasoning blend into airtight jars or containers. Label them with the blend name and date. (We love getting creative with this part, adding cute labels or even naming the blends something fun like “Evan’s Favorite Italian Mix.”)
Tips for Success
Experiment Freely: Your greenhouse herbs are your palette. Try different ratios and combinations to see what your family loves most.
Add Some Extras: Dried lemon zest, garlic powder, or chili flakes can take your blend to the next level.
Gift It: Homemade herb blends make heartfelt gifts. My son and I have given jars to teachers and friends, and they’re always a hit!
Tips for Success
Experiment Freely: Your greenhouse herbs are your palette. Try different ratios and combinations to see what your family loves most.
Add Some Extras: Dried lemon zest, garlic powder, or chili flakes can take your blend to the next level.
Gift It: Homemade herb blends make heartfelt gifts. My son and I have given jars to teachers and friends, and they’re always a hit!
Simple Recipe: Gluten-Free All-Purpose Herb Blend
- This gluten-free blend is a staple in our home:
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- ½ tbsp dried rosemary
- ½ tbsp dried sage
Mix thoroughly, store in an airtight jar, and use on everything from roasted veggies to chicken.
The Heart Behind the Blend
Looking back, those early years of navigating gluten-free cooking were challenging, but they also taught me the value of simplicity and creativity. By growing and blending our own herbs, we’ve reclaimed control over what’s on our plates and added a personal touch to every meal. More than that, it’s given us a connection to the food we eat and the joy of growing something together as a family.
I hope this guide inspires you to get creative in your kitchen, savoring the process as much as the result. Whether you're whipping up a gluten-free pizza, seasoning a holiday roast, or simply sprinkling something extra on scrambled eggs, there’s nothing quite like knowing you made it yourself.
