Dill: Scandinavias Most Important Culinary Herb

The ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it is commonly known, was mentioned some 5,000 years ago in early Egyptian writings. It is the most important culinary herb in Scandinavia, as popular as parsley is in other parts of the world. The word 'dill' stems from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning "to lull," and can be grown indoors and out. The feathery leaves make dill a pretty foliage plant, which is lovely as a green foil for the flowers in your garden. The fragrance of dill on fingers evokes a 'comfort smell' for many people as the leaves smell of homemade dill pickles. Old-fashioned dill water or gripe water as it is commonly known (made by infusing crushed dill seeds in hot water), is still used as a remedy for indigestion in adults as well as children.

Dill is an annual but self-seeds so once planted you will have it forever in your garden as long as you allow some of the plants to go to seed. Dill has yellow flowers and grows 1 ? 4 ft. (30 ? 120 cm) tall outdoors. In pots indoors, dill will be less tall. Grow dill from seed and when thinning, use the seedlings you pull up, as they are tender and delicious. Dried dill leaves are known as 'dill weed.' If you need dill seed for your fall pickles, plant some dill in mid-July to ensure you have ripening seed.

Cultivation requirements: grows best in deep, well-drained, fertile, sandy loam, likes compost or manure. Dill must be grown in full sun and watered during dry periods. Dill is easily grown from seed and grows well indoors if grown under fluorescent lights. Hang the lights 6 inches (15 cm) from plants and leave on for 14 hours a day. Dill does not transplant well and it needs a deep pot for its long taproots. Pinch out the tops to prevent flowering and seed setting to keep plants growing longer.

In the garden, dill can be planted with cabbages but not near carrots. In the kitchen, use dill for pickles, cabbage, turnips, cauliflower, in butter on fried or grilled fish, sour cream, meats, stews, cream cheese, dips. Use fresh with green beans, potato dishes, cheese, soups, salads, seafood, sauces, and snipped on vegetable dishes. Sprinkle young dill on broiling lamb, pork chops, or steaks during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Seeds can be sprinkled on toast or crackers with salmon that has been mixed with mayonnaise. Seeds and leaves can be used in fish sauces. Zucchini can be sliced thin and sautéed in olive oil and fresh dill leaves for a nice side dish.

Fresh dill can be kept in the fridge for a few days by submersing the stems in a glass of water. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and make sure the leaves are above the water. Fresh leaves can be frozen in re-seal-able bags and used in dishes. Seeds can be stored in a closed container and used as needed. You can eat the leaves, seed heads, and seeds. Use seeds if cooking for a long time and dill weed if adding at the last minute. Dill can be dried or frozen.

Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace ? Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul and the booklet Non-toxic Alternatives For Everyday Cleaning And Gardening Products. She owns the website Gwen's Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the books and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca

Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 ? 2005. All rights reserved.

---

Fall Garden Chores for Spring Flowering Bulbs

As the school busses begin to rumble down the road... Read More

Storm Damage and Mature Tree Pruning

One winter evening I was working on the computer when... Read More

All about Tulip Gardens

As the curtain of winter lifts, tulips are one of... Read More

Keeping the Balance of Nature: Pond Water Maintenance

You might be tempted to let Mother Nature, tend to... Read More

Safety On Lawn Tractors

Every gardener riding a lawn tractor should be concerned about... Read More

The Tools of Rose Gardening

Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you... Read More

Organic or Chemical Feeding of Plants - Whats Best

A fundamental question in vegetable gardening is - what is... Read More

Chicken Soup for the Soil

Keeping Your Soil HealthyYour soil is the most important part... Read More

Bottle Gardening or Terrarium - Design and Maintenance

Women take pride in home decoration and gardening and want... Read More

Plan for Winter Plantings

Part four in a seriesIt's hard to think about winter... Read More

Garden Hot Tubs

Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out the back... Read More

Introduction to Botany

Botanists are individuals who conduct extensive study on plant biology... Read More

Grow Herbs in your Garden for Pleasure and Profit

Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More

Fake Grass

The history of artificial or fake grass is to say... Read More

Letting Nature Grow Your Garden

It is wisest to let Nature have Her way. Nature... Read More

Why Teak Coffee Tables Are Essential For Your Outdoor Space

One of the best ways to bring together the many... Read More

Hills and Holes: Not Part of Your Landscaping Design?

Do pests 'gopher' your lawn? Chances are, if you have... Read More

Gallica Roses

Very soon stocks of new season's roses will... Read More

Ten Considerations Before You Buy A Bird House

When you decide to buy one bird house or more... Read More

Teak Furniture: The Premier Outdoor Furniture

When selecting furniture for their outdoor spaces, many people purchase... Read More

Growing Organic! Herbs, Flowers and Fruit

Creating no dig gardens on top of the soil gives... Read More

Earthworm Friends in the Garden

Earthworms are a gardener's best friend.Research has shown that earthworm... Read More

Outdoor Furniture: Exploring the Benefits of Teak

Of the many types of materials that are available for... Read More

Herbs: Growing Your Own

The first thing you need to do when deciding to... Read More

Teak Planters - Accent Your Outdoor Space with One

Do you want to add something to your outdoor space... Read More

Cyclamen

Think of cyclamen and the chances are that Mothers Day... Read More

Water Conservation in the Garden - Use a Rain Barrel to Harvest Rainwater

If you are a gardener you probably already do a... Read More

Make Your Fresh Cut Roses Last Longer!

Women adore getting flowers, most especially roses, as it is... Read More

Landscaping of Hindu Religious Places

Traditionally Hindu tepmples were located either on hills or forests... Read More

You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

If you are planning to go on vacation, there are... Read More

Working with Landscape Contractors

Having a beautiful and functional landscape is every homeowners dream.... Read More

Park Benches

One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More

Preparing The Garden For Winter

Are you like me? Sad to see the summer end... Read More