What is Dill? How Is It Used in The Kitchen and What Are Its Benefits?

Originally from the Middle East, it is now widespread throughout the world: it is a very versatile aromatic herb whose seeds, leaves and even flowers can be used. It is used to prepare an excellent herbal tea, useful for helping digestive problems and fighting water retention. Let's find out what the characteristics of dill are and what it is used for in the kitchen.

Dill's Characteristics

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Umbelliferae or Apiaceae family, the same as  parsley, carrots, fennel  and celery. The characteristic of these plants is a compound umbrella inflorescence, that is, with numerous small umbels from which they take their name. It has a stem that can reach 50-60 cm in height, of a light green color.

Dill grows well across the U.S., particularly in cooler climates like the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. It thrives in spring and fall, especially in regions with mild temperatures. In warmer areas like the South and Southwest, it's best grown during the cooler months to avoid bolting in the summer heat.

It is a plant with small yellow flowers, originally from India but now widely cultivated and used in cooking throughout Europe, with an intense scent reminiscent of fennel, anise and mint. The taste, however, is different and is spicy and strong, slightly minty.

How to Grow Dill

Given that you can buy dill ready for use in the kitchen, if you are lucky enough to be able to grow a small vegetable garden, know that the best time to plant it is in spring. Among the advantages of having an aromatic plant always available is also that of the scent and the possibility of obtaining the seeds, scented and excellent in herbal teas.

If you don't have a plot of land, know that dill is also suitable for growing in pots, suitable for balconies and terraces, to keep on hand for recipes. Whether it's a vegetable garden or a pot, make sure the soil is well drained and pay close attention to ensure that the plant receives frequent and regular watering. Remember that dill loves the sun, mild temperatures but suffers the cold and winter frost.

What is The Difference Between Dill and Fennel?

Because of the great similarity between the two plants, it is easy to confuse dill with wild fennel, and for this reason dill is also called "bastard fennel" or "stinking fennel". Although they belong to the same species, they are two different plants, the first native to Asia, the other Mediterranean. The scent of wild fennel is reminiscent of anise and has a sweeter flavor, while dill is more bitter, pungent and slightly minty and for this reason it lends itself to being paired with dishes that do not have a strong aroma.

What to Know When Buying Dill

Like all spices used in cooking, dill can be purchased at the grocery store, in herbalist's shops and in organic shops. It is sold in sachets or in jars, both in tips and chopped. The cost of 100 grams of dill in the U.S. varies: fresh dill usually costs $5–$8, dried dill ranges from $7–$14, and dill seeds are around $10–$18, depending on the quality and where you buy it. Prices are higher for organic varieties.

How is Dill Used in The Kitchen?

Its fresh and pungent flavor at the same time goes perfectly with salads, marinades and sauces of various types. All of dill is used in cooking. First of all the leaves, which in addition to flavoring soups, meat, fish and legume dishes, are also used to make pickled preserves. They are excellent for enhancing yogurt and cucumber sauces and for making the Greek tzatziki  sauce.

The seeds, once dried, are ideal in digestive herbal teas, for their draining and digestive properties that also help reduce abdominal swelling. But they are also used to flavor sauces and salads. Finally, the flowers can be used for decorative purposes to enhance preserves.