Herbed Evergreen Mix Seasoning (Printable)
A vibrant, fragrant blend of fresh herbs and evergreen needles with garlic and lemon zest for seasoning roasted meats and vegetables.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fresh Herbs
01 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary needles, finely chopped
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
→ Edible Evergreen
05 - 2 tablespoons young spruce tips or pine needles, finely chopped (food-grade, unsprayed, verified species)
→ Aromatics
06 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest, organic unwaxed
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Seasoning
08 - 1 tablespoon sea salt
09 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Rinse all fresh herbs and evergreen needles thoroughly under cold running water. Pat completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Finely chop the rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and spruce tips or pine needles into uniform, small pieces.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped herbs and evergreen needles with lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all flavors and ingredients throughout the blend.
05 - Use immediately for seasoning applications, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. For extended storage, air-dry on a baking sheet for one to two days, then store in a sealed jar for up to one month.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This blend has a certain magic about it, transforming ordinary roasted chicken into something your friends will swear came from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
- It creates this incredibly nostalgic forest scent throughout your home when cooking that somehow makes everyone gather in the kitchen asking whats for dinner.
02 -
- The first time I made this, I used juniper berries which was a mistake - they overpowered everything else and made the blend taste medicinal.
- The quality of your evergreen needles matters tremendously - young, tender spring growth offers delicate flavor while older needles can taste bitter or too resinous.
03 -
- Toast your mix in a dry pan for just 30 seconds before using it as a rub - the heat activates the oils and creates an even more pronounced aroma.
- Save some fresh mix to sprinkle over dishes right before serving - the contrast between the cooked and fresh flavors adds incredible dimension.