This earthy and sweet herb goes far beyond the pickle jar! Learn what dill is and how to cook with it in this ultimate guide. Dill 101!
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Fresh dill is a versatile and lively herb that’s found its way into almost every cuisine! Here’s everything you need to know about this delicate and sweet herb.
What is dill?
Dill weed is a fresh herb in the same family as celery, carrots, and parsnips. It’s bright green with slender stems and delicate, aromatic leaves.
The leaves are used to flavor dishes like soups, pickles, potatoes, and salmon.
What does dill taste like?
Most people are familiar with its taste through the humble dill pickle, but its flavor is versatile and well-loved. Dill has an earthy, sweet taste with just a hint of licorice.
It’s an easy way to add a fresh and bright touch to an otherwise flat dish.
Where to buy dill:
Find fresh dill in the produce section near the parsley and cilantro.
If you can’t find a bunch of it, look for it in small clear containers near the basil, thyme, and mint.
Find dried dill in the spice aisle of the grocery store.
Fresh vs Dried:
Dried dill is a convenient alternative when you don’t have fresh dill. Where fresh dill only lasts a week, dried dill can stay fresh for an entire year!
Dried dill is a dark greenish gray which makes it only useful in terms of flavor, not presentation.
While fresh dill smells more fragrant, dried dill has a more concentrated flavor.
Tip
Use three times as much fresh dill than dried dill to achieve the same flavor.
For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh dill, swap only one teaspoon of dried dill.
Storage & Freezing:
It’s important to properly store dill to preserve its earthy flavor and attractive green color.
How to store fresh dill:
- Store fresh dill in water just like you would flowers. Place only the stems in a water-filled glass and use within one week.
- Alternatively, you can store fresh dill in the refrigerator. Carefully rinse and dry the dill before laying it in a paper towel. Roll it inside the paper towel and place in an airtight container. Use within one week.
- Once dill starts turning yellow, it begins to wilt and reduce in quality and flavor. If it feels slimy, throw it out.
How to freeze fresh dill:
- Wash and dry fresh dill before chopping the leaves into small pieces. Place the chopped dill in an even layer onto a sheet pan. Place the sheet pan in the freezer overnight, then transfer the frozen dill to a Ziplock baggie. For best results, use within 3 months.
- You can also freeze fresh dill in olive oil for sauces and soups. Sprinkle the chopped dill into an ice cube tray and top with oil. Freeze, then transfer to a freeze bag.
Tips for cooking with dill:
Here’s a few tips and ideas to get you started!
- Chop dill right before you plan to use it to preserve its aromatic flavor and lively appearance.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped dill on soup or salad for a garnish and added flavor.
- When adding dill to cooked dishes, add it toward the very end of cooking! This way it retains its fresh and potent flavor profile.
- Dill spruces up creamy dips and dressings! Try adding it to veggie dip, homemade ranch, or a vinaigrette.
- Salmon and dill are a match made in heaven. Smoked salmon is a popular choice, but it’s great with any kind!
- Add dill to scrambled eggs or your next omelette!
Health Benefits of Dill:
It’s fair to say dill offers significant health benefits! Dill is an excellent source of vitamin A, manganese, and iron.
Vitamin A is essential for good vision and a healthy immune system. Manganese supports the proper functioning of your brain, nervous system, and metabolism!
Fresh dill is rich in antioxidants from plant compounds like flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins. Flavonoids are beneficial for heart health and can prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer, and dementia.
Dill Recipes:
Dill is a common ingredient in pickles, potato salad, cucumber salad, ranch dressing, and yogurt sauce!
Try one of these delicious recipes where dill really shines.
- Dill Crepes with Smoked Salmon – Delicate dill crepes wrap around smoked salmon for a unique and impressive appetizer.
- Smoked Salmon Crostini – A simple crostini with dill cream cheese, cold-smoked salmon, and tomato relish.
- Classic Beef Borscht – A classic beef borscht that’s loaded with veggies and chunks of beef.
- Cucumber Smoked Salmon Appetizer – Sliced cucumbers are topped with fresh dill, feta cheese, and smoked salmon.
- Smoked Salmon Quiche – Quiche gets an upgrade with asparagus, smoked salmon, dill, and cheddar cheese.
- Cucumber Edamame Salad – A refreshing spring salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, edamame, and dill.
