Dill: Important Facts, Health Benefits, and Recipes

Wescott Sharples
I like muffins. I like soup. I don't like muffin soup.
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Published: 6/8/2023

Explore the versatile world of dill with our ultimate guide, covering its origins, health benefits, culinary uses, and tips for growing this flavorful herb at home.

What is Dill?

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. With a unique aroma and a slightly sweet, tangy taste, dill is widely used in various cuisines for its distinctive flavor. The feathery green leaves, known as dill weed, and the seeds are commonly used in cooking, while the entire plant is edible.

Is Dill Healthy?

Yes, dill is an excellent addition to a healthy diet. It is low in calories, yet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Additionally, dill contains beneficial compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols that contribute to its health-promoting properties.

7 Health Benefits of Dill

  1. Aids digestion: Dill contains compounds that help stimulate the production of digestive juices, promoting better digestion and reducing bloating.
  2. Supports bone health: The calcium and phosphorus content in dill contributes to strong bones and teeth.
  3. Boosts immunity: Rich in vitamin C, dill helps support a healthy immune system.
  4. Reduces inflammation: The flavonoids and polyphenols in dill possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate inflammation-related conditions.
  5. Promotes heart health: Dill has been found to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
  6. Fights free radicals: The antioxidants in dill help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
  7. Supports mental health: The vitamin B6 in dill plays a role in maintaining healthy brain function and mood regulation.

History and Background of Dill

Dill has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was prized for its medicinal and culinary properties. The Greeks and Romans also valued dill as a symbol of prosperity and protection. Today, dill is cultivated worldwide and remains a popular ingredient in many cuisines.

What is the Best Way to Store Dill?

To preserve the freshness of dill, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. Store the bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dill can also be dried or frozen for longer-term storage.

What are the Different Types of Dill?

There are two main varieties of dill: Anethum graveolens and Anethum sowa. Both varieties are used for their leaves and seeds, with the former being more common in Western cuisines and the latter in Indian and Asian dishes.

What is the Best Substitute for Dill if I Don't Have Any?

If you don't have dill on hand, suitable substitutes include fresh tarragon, fennel fronds, or a combination of parsley and celery leaves. Dill is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as in a potato salad, tzatziki sauce, or over fish. Fennel is the most similar in appearance and taste to dill, while tarragon is a good substitute for dill in seafood dishes and salad dressings. Parsley can be used as a milder substitute for dill as well.

What Cuisines Use Dill?

Dill is commonly used in Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Scandinavian cuisines. It is a key ingredient in dishes like Greek tzatziki, Russian borscht, and Swedish gravlax.

Popular Recipes That Use Dill

  1. Dill pickles
  2. Lemon-dill salmon
  3. Potato salad with dill
  4. Dill-infused cucumber salad
  5. Creamy dill dip

How Can I Grow and Care for Dill in My Own Garden?

Dill is relatively easy to grow, requiring well-draining soil, full sun, and regular watering. Sow the seeds directly in the garden in spring, and thin the seedlings as they grow. Dill can be harvested once the leaves are large enough to use, typically 6-8 weeks after planting. Regularly pinch off flowers to encourage leaf growth and prevent the plant from becoming too tall and leggy.

Nutritional Facts
1 bunch
Amount per serving
Calories
12
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
0.3 g
Protein
1 g
Saturated Fat
0 g
Sodium
17.1 mg
Fiber
0.6 g