What is Dill?
Dill, also called dill weed, is an herb widely grown in Europe and Asia. Dill is bright green, with wispy, feathery leaves that are similar to a fern, all attached to a stem. Dill comes fresh, dried, or as dill seeds. Dill is commonly used to flavor dishes or as a garnish to finished dishes.
What Does Dill Taste Like?
Dill has a strong, distinct flavor. It has licorice taste to it, similar to anise, and has a similar flavor to fennel. If dill plants flower, dill will taste more bitter.
How Do You Eat Dill?
Dill can be eaten raw or cooked. To use fresh dill, cut the leaves away from the stem and remove the stem. Dill is commonly paired with salmon, lemon and chicken, dishes with spinach, and sprinkled over roasted potatoes. It pairs with creamy sauces made with yogurt or other dairy products. Dill is popular in tangy or sour dishes.
Where Can You Buy Dill?
Fresh dill can be found in the produce or fresh herb sections of most grocery stores, usually in the chilled section. Dried dill is located in the spice aisle of the grocery store.
How Do You Store Dill?
Store fresh dill in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. It may last up to a week in the refrigerator. If you trim an inch off the stems of fresh dill and place it in a glass of water, it can last in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dried dill should be stored in a sealed, airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Fun Facts About Dill
Dill has been used around the world for over a thousand years for its medicinal properties. Dill grows quickly and easily in a home garden.
Did You Know?
Dill is one of the key ingredients in the making of dill pickles.
Recipes Using Dill
Roasted Potatoes with Dill
Top your hot roasted potatoes with dill for a delicious side dish. Toss diced potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Place in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake until potatoes are cooked. Top with fresh dill before serving.
Scrambled Eggs
Jazz up breakfast your scrambled eggs with fresh dill. Whisk eggs with water, salt, and pepper then pour into a preheated frying pan. When the eggs are almost finished cooking, fold in cheddar cheese. Sprinkle fresh dill over the top of the eggs and serve.
Dill Dip
Create a creamy dip suitable for everything from chips to vegetables. Combine sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, pepper, and chives in a bowl.
Pesto
Create a delicious pesto sauce in the food processor. Blend pine nuts, garlic, fresh basil, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and dill until the sauce is mostly smooth. Serve pesto over your favorite pasta or as a dip for bread.
Lemon and Dill Salmon
Enjoy a classic pairing of lemon and dill with salmon. Place a salmon fillet in aluminum foil. Cover with lemon just, freshly grated lemon zest, dill, lemon slices, butter, and a drizzle of olive oil. Seal the foil packet and place on a baking sheet. Bake salmon until it is fully cooked.
