A Beginner’s Guide to Herb Butter

As a novice, you don’t have to be a master chef to make great herb butter. You only need to be well-informed, patient, and organized. Recently, making herb butter has become more and more popular in the US. Herb butter is a very efficient way to enjoy dried herb. And I do enjoy how infused treats can make a slow afternoon feel special. If you haven't tried infused treats before, this recipe is a great starter. The rich taste of butter is a perfect balance to the earthy aroma of the herb.

For beginners, you might want to look for an herb variety on the relaxation side. These are the qualities to keep in mind:

1. Gentle and easygoing

2. Sweet and fruity

3. Balanced and mellow

4. Calm and earthy

5. Bright and citrus-forward

6. Smooth and herbal

7. Warm and spiced

8. Soft and rounded

9. Clean and mild

Note: Please freeze the fruit before blending for an even icier treat. And you can give the smoothie some heat by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a little bit more salt.

Ingredients required for an herb-infused mango smoothie:

• ECRU Decarb Kit or Activator

• ECRU Decarb Kit

• 1/2 ounce of dried herb

• Hand grinder or scissors

• 1-1/2 cup water

• 8 ounces melted butter, or oil

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon

• Cheesecloth and/or metal strainer

Preparation

Step 1: decarboxylate your herb

• Preheat the oven to 220° F.

• Break apart the desired amount of dried herb using a hand grinder or scissors. Spread the plant material onto the glass baking pan.

Step 2: Herb Butter Infusion

• Add water and melt butter or oil into the decarb box. Mix well with a wooden spoon and cover with the lid. Let the mixture simmer for 4 hours. Use the included thermometer to track the temperature and make sure it doesn’t rise above 180°.

Step 3: Usage or Storage

• After 4 hours, filter the mixture through cheesecloth or a metal strainer into a container. Let the butter cool to room temperature. Use immediately or keep in the refrigerator or freezer in a well-sealed mason jar for up to six months.

For an advanced recipe, you might also want to try herb sugar or herb butter and mix it with any food or drinks you like. Check out the recipes below.

Herb butter Herb sugar

Tips for serving infused treats

Note: The strength of your infused treats depends on several factors, from the herb variety you choose to storage, or even how long and at what temperature you treated the herb. For a safe first serving, try to spread 1/4 teaspoon on a snack and see how that serving affects you after an hour. First-time users must be very careful with their serving size.