Dill

Dill (lat. Anethum graveolens) belongs to the carrot family. Dill was a popular culinary and medicinal herb even among the ancient Egyptians and Romans. It originates probably from Western Asia. In the early Middle Ages, monks brought it to Europe, where it is now commonly widespread. Annual dill is easily confused in appearance with fennel. It can grow up to 1 metre tall, with a hollow stem and finely divided leaves. During midsummer, numerous small yellowish flowers appear in large umbels, from which the well-known dill seeds later ripen. They are initially round and whole, but split into two parts - mericarps - as they dry. The many essential oils that dill contains give it its distinctive aroma.

How to Grow Dill

Dill needs sunshine and warmth, and due to its delicate structure should be protected from wind. In such a location, it will best develop its pleasant aroma. It is an undemanding herb, content with poor soil, which must be moist but not waterlogged.

From April onwards, it can be sown directly into the bed, ideally repeatedly every 2-3 weeks, so we have enough fresh herbs available. Dill can be sown together with vegetables, especially with carrots or cucumbers, with which it gets along very well. Keep the soil loose at all times to prevent waterlogging. Leaves can be cut throughout the summer and used fresh. They can also be dried or frozen, though they partially lose their fragrance in the process. Seeds are ready for harvest when they turn brown.

Using Dill

Dill is most commonly used in herb cooking. Fresh dill leaves add flavour to fish and vegetable dishes, sauces and salads. Dill foliage is popular both in preparing herb vinegar and brine for pickled cucumbers. Try dill dip too. However, dill also has medicinal effects, as tea made from dill seeds helps with digestive problems and flatulence. It has a mild soothing effect, and because it is diuretic, it can also be used for kidney stones. It also promotes milk production. Due to its delicate foliage and airy yellow umbels, dill is a wonderful addition to ornamental gardens.