How I use herbs - dill

Aug 29, 2016by Liz Beavis

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb that grows well here in autumn and spring when its not too hot and not too cold. Dill grows very easily from seed, another simple and tasty herb for any garden.

How I grow dill
Dill forms large flowers and seed-heads at the end of the season, and I keep a few seeds and sprinkle the rest around the garden. Every year more dill pops up around the garden towards the end of winter. It grows huge and flowers again as the weather warms up.

How I use dill

Dill leaves have a tangy flavour. I never liked dill when I only had dried dill, it wasn't until I tried fresh dill that I really appreciated the taste. It compliments seafood, eggs and potatoes. I used it in my pickled cucumbers and its also good in mayonnaise (which I have not perfected). I like it chopped up with other fresh herbs like chervil, parsley and basil, as a garnish with salad or on meat. I also pick the dill leaves and dry them in my dehydrator (and they are nearly as good as fresh leaves).

Dill seeds can also be used, they have a similar taste, and keep better than the dried leaves. Both are good for digestion (particularly spasms) and can be used to make a tea. It is also recommended for increasing milk production for breastfeeding mothers, and can be used for cough and flu remedies.

Dill flowers are great for feeding pollinators including honey bees

I think this is a parsley flower, but dill is very similar with yellow flowers

Do you grow and use dill?

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