Dill Seeds History

In the 1st century Rome, dill weed was considered a good luck symbol. Ancient Egyptians used it to ward off witches and as an aphrodisiac. To the Greeks, dill signified wealth. Many cultures cultivated it for medicinal qualities, particularly its ability to soothe an ailing stomach. It’s even mentioned in the Bible. Puritans and Quakers gave their children dill seeds to chew on while at church as an appetite suppressant.

How To Grow Dill Seeds

ou can learn how to grow dill in a few minutes. it is both an herb and a spice. Dill weed is used to flavor many dishes including salads, vegetables, meats, and sauces. Dill seed is used to flavor bread, pickles, sauerkraut, and coleslaw. Click here to learn how.

Preserving And Storing Dill

Stored frozen, intact dill sprigs will remain usable well into the winter, and possibly even until spring. Remember that if you intend to use the dill in canned goods, it is best to freeze both the leafy stems and the flower heads. This will maximize the flavor impact of your dill.

1. Rinse the dill fronds and flower heads with water to remove any dust and insects. Shake the herbs gently to remove most of the moisture.
2. Thoroughly dry the dill by allowing it to hang upside down to maintain the best shape. You can also lay it out on an absorbent material, such as layers of paper towels. Do not let the dill get crispy dry—you simply want it to lose most of its moisture.
3. Place the washed and dried dill into an airtight container, such as a pail, and seal it tightly. If your container allows the herb to sit upright, the dill will continue to keep its attractive shape in the freezer.
4. Place the container in the coldest part of your freezer until needed.

How To Use Dill

There’s nothing better than a big bunch of dill to spice up your cooking! Fresh dill has a unique flavor that’s hard to substitute: herby with a vaguely licorice-like aftertaste. It’s an herb related to celery and parsley, used often in Mediterranean cuisine and throughout Europe and Asia. Here in the US, you likely know it for pickles and potato salads. But it’s got so much more to offer than that! Dill is often dwarfed by basil, but it’s one of the tastiest herbs around. Every year we grow dill in our garden and I’m always itching to find ways to use it. And this dill potato salad is a knock-out. Think: tangy potatoes, drenched in a naturally creamy sauce made with olive oil and vinegar, punchy fresh herbs, and savory capers to round it out. Click here to get this amazing recipe.

Dill Seeds Nutrition

Fresh dill is low in calories, yet a good source of many essential nutrients, including vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin A. Dill is rich in a variety of plant compounds that may have numerous benefits for health, including protection against heart disease and certain forms of cancer.

Other Herb Varieties Worth Checking Out

 Oregano

 Thyme