Dill – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is dill?

Dill is an herb that is part of the celery and parsley family. Its Latin name is Anethum graveolens, and it is the only species in that particular plant family. Both its leaves and seeds are used as ingredients. Originally a staple of just European and Asian cuisines, dill has grown in popularity.

Dill is aromatic, and its taste is often described as citrusy, grassy, like licorice, and slightly sweet. It is sometimes used in combination with mint or garlic. The flavor of dill changes as a result of seasonal temperature changes.

The dill plant has feathery leaves, making it an attractive garnish. One might find it on cold soups or deviled eggs. The traditional Greek cucumber yogurt salad tzatziki is often topped with dill. A great accompaniment to seafood and lamb, dill weed is also found on spreads, cream cheese, and sour cream.

The uses of dill are varied. As they do with bay leaves, cooks can add them to stews and soups. Some cooks will add them to the water when they boil potatoes for additional flavor.

The seeds also have a wide range of uses. Pickles and salad dressing are among the most common. But they may also be used crushed, and chefs add them to bread and vegetable-based dishes.

Dill has three main varieties:

• Fernleaf dill is popular among home growers. Small and compact, it tends not to bolt (grow flowers, which impacts taste).
• Bouquet dill produces lots of seeds.
• Mammoth dill, as its name implies, grows very tall (up to six feet).

Where did dill originate from?

The first known mention of dill in writing is in approximately 3000 B.C. Its origins are the Norse word “dylla,” which means soothing or lulling. In fact, its early mentions are from Egyptian medical texts.

It was originally grown in western Asia and the Mediterranean area. Southern Russia is also cited as one of the birthplaces of dill.

Dill is often mentioned in tales of witchcraft and was considered extremely valuable at one point in history.

Today, dill is grown commercially in India and Pakistan. The United States also has expansive dill growing facilities.

What are the benefits of eating dill?

Low in calories, dill contains a range of vitamins. Vitamin C is the primary one, but it also contains a healthy dose of manganese, vitamin A, calcium, folate, and iron.

Dill is rich in antioxidants. Natural health practitioners believe that dill’s contents can help relieve bloating and gas, ease menstrual cramps, and improve bone and heart health.

How is dill grown?

Dill grows best in well-drained soil, and farmers plant it in rows. It grows best from seeds. The plants must be close enough to self-seed but no so close as to crowd each other. The roots of the dill plant can grow as deep as 12in below the surface. Full sun is most desirable in growing dill. Although dill is easy to plant, maintaining it requires precision. Removing the flowers is critical to preserving the taste of the leaves. Other than that, it doesn’t require a lot of fertilization or care.

A single plant only lasts about 2 years. Dill growers will continue to grow new plants throughout the season to ensure they have a steady stream of fresh plantings.

When is dill in season?

The best time to plant dill is about 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost. Although a year-round herb, dill is also a warm-weather plant and is best during the summer months.

Dill plants will bolt during hot and dry weather. That means that they start to flower quickly. A natural plant response, bolting can change the taste of dill leaves, so farmers must continually monitor the plants and sow new seeds throughout the growing season.

What should I look for when buying dill?

Dill leaves come in bunches in the fresh produce section of the grocery store, along with a wide range of useful herbs. 

The best dill bunches will have fresh-cut stems and unwilted leaves. It is sometimes sold loose in bunches or convenient packaging.

As you shop for dill, look for other fresh herbs to add to your cart. Especially during the spring and summer months, options abound, and home chefs can experiment with a wide range of new tastes in salads and cold dishes. In colder times of the year, these herbs will become welcome new additions to hearty meals.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for dill via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for dill.

How to store dill

When dill arrives in your kitchen, spray the stems with a little water (but do not soak them). Wrap them in loose paper towels, and then use a zip-top or tightly-sealed plastic bag to store them in your vegetable bin in the refrigerator. When carefully stored this way, dill can last up to a week.

Not eating or using it immediately? You can wash it in cold water and then shake or pat it dry. Use a cookie sheet to flash-freeze the sprigs. Once they’re frozen, return them to the freezer in a freezer bag. Dill’s flavor fades after about six months, so be sure to use it before then.

You can also dry dill and then crumble it to use as a seasoning.

How to tell if dill is bad

If dill is soft, discolored, or smells strange, discard it. These are all signs it’s starting to go bad. Additionally, if you notice any mold growing, it’s a sign the herb is no good.

What can I substitute for dill?

Although every dill has its own distinct taste, some of the popular substitutes for dill include rosemary, fennel, chervil, basil, tarragon, thyme, and parsley. Which replacement you use depends on what you’re making. Try to match the flavors as much as possible to maintain the same end result for your recipe.

How to find dill near me

Dill is a unique and flavorful herb that has myriad uses.  Use Instacart to find the best fresh produce and herbs near you. Schedule your same-day delivery today!

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