Dill With It!

May 22, 2024

Quick, hang some dill over your home’s front door! An old wives tale says that hanging dill over the entrance of a house (or a baby’s cradle) is a symbol of love and acts as a protection against evil. I love this superstition. Other dill superstitions and folklore included keeping dill seeds in one’s pocket when marrying for good luck. And when the newlyweds had a baby, they put dill seeds in a bag and hid it in the corner of the crib to protect the baby against evil.

I’m always curious as to the origin of superstitions. Maybe these evolved because dill can be health-enhancing. The Greek doctor, Pedanius Dioscorides (born 40AD), noted that applying scorched dill seed to the wounds of soldiers promoted healing. This was also a healing method used by the Romans. In many cultures and eras, it was believed that teas made from the leaves and seeds of dill, have the ability to take away a witch’s powers. (Mmmmmm? wonder who needs a cup of dill tea every once in while?!) There are tales about the ability of dill tea to aid with childbirth. More recent studies have shown that dill tea can help reduce anxiety during labor and reduce labor pains while strengthening uterine contractions, resulting in quicker delivery times with fewer stress-induced Cesarian sections. Interestingly, the word “dill” comes from the Norse word, “dilya,” which means to soothe.

Additionally, dill extracts, powders, and tea, may be beneficial for cholesterol reduction, diabetes management and period pain. Dill, like other fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander and thyme, have anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. They support our immune system and brain function. Maybe adding dill to our diet does ward off evil! There are a few potential side effects such as allergic reactions, so before taking dill supplements or teas, check with your doctor first.

I’m always looking for ways to enhance the health of my loved ones, so it’s a good thing dill is such a tasty addition for many of my favorite recipes. This member of the carrot family has a slightly citrusy, grassy and sometimes licorice-tasting flavor. Most people think of using dill in fish or pickle recipes. I love dill in potato salad, my morning scrambled eggs, chicken dishes, dips, vinaigrettes, bread, soups, salads and so many other veggies. Find more favorite recipes using dill in your DinnerTime Recipe Box. Try a new recipe this week!

What’s The Big Dill!

Purchase fresh dill, also called dill weed, that is bright green, free of yellow or brown spots and is fragrant and not wilted.
Keep fresh dill for up to two weeks. Snip the bottoms of the dill and place in a cup of with about an inch of water. Or, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Freeze fresh chopped dill pieces in ice-cube trays and add water. Frozen dill doesn’t need to be defrosted before cooking. It will be slightly darker in color than fresh.
Store harvested seeds in an air-tight container for up to six months. Keep in a cool dark place for best results.
Mince dill with scissors instead of chopping with a knife to preserve the flavor.
Use the whole plant. The feathery leaves are what are most often thought of as “dill” but the seeds are packed with flavor too. If the stems are tender, I’ll chop them to add to my dish. This works best in soups, bread and other recipes when not using as a garnish.
Add dill to your dishes at the right time. The flavor of dill diminishes the longer it’s cooked, so it’s best when added near the end of preparation or as a garnish.
Substitute dried dill when fresh dill is unavailable. A general rule of thumb, for most herbs, is to substitute one part dried to three parts fresh. Dried dill is great and I keep it in my pantry all year, but I love the bright green of fresh dill to visually perk up any dish.
Grow your own dill. Dill doesn’t transplant easily, so skip the plants for sale and sow your own seeds. All you need is soil and water. Dill can get very tall but has a gorgeous yellow airy flower. It will enhance your garden as well as your meal.