Everything You Want To Know About Dill Leaves
Dill leaves come from a very short lived herb. The plant grows about two feet high with slender stems and soft delicate, finely divided leaves. The flowers of the plant are white to yellow and the seeds are slightly curved with a rigid surface.
The dill plant originated from Eastern Europe and there are still weedy and wild types of dill that are quite widespread in West Asia and the Mediterranean. Dill leaves were even found in the famous tomb belonging to Amenhotep II however, the earliest archeological evidence is actually believed to be stemmed from the late Neolithic shore in Switzerland. Traces have also been found in Great Britain and Roman ruins.
Uses
Dill is a special herb that is used differently depending on the season. In the early spring, the plant is used solely for the dill leaves and then later in the fall, the seeds are put to use. Each part of this wonderful plant has its own properties and characteristics.
With its grassy, crisp taste it is a natural choice to pair up with mild cheese, fish, vegetable dishes, egg dishes and cream sauces. Of course one of the most popular harmonic foods that goes hand in hand with dill leaves is cucumbers. It has a clean, simple taste and it’s actually quite hard to overdo it. It is always recommended to use fresh dill leaves over dry if you're looking for maximum flavor. Additionally, if you are using it in stew, sauce or a hot dish you want to add it in right before you serve the dish because it does loose is flavor from heat.
The seeds from the plant are much more potent in flavor that the dill leaves are, quite similar to a celery and anise combination. They are often used in breads, rice, stews and for making pickles.
Cultivation
Diet really requires full sun, rich soil and good drainage to thrive. It appears a bit frail in appearance however it is actually quite hardy and drought resistant. Seeds can be sown in the fall in mild climates in order to overwinter and offer a nice early spring crop. Regardless if you plant it in the spring or fall, it is recommended to sow the seeds into the ground directly as they prefer to not be transplanted because it can cause them to flower prematurely. Also, the plants will not thrive if they are overcrowded or reside in poor soil.
To get the bushy effect of dill leaves you should plant the dill in clumps. If given six hours of light in a sunny location it can even be grown indoors. If you are looking to add a bit of vibrant color you can plant the dill with marigolds. Additionally, to keep your herb supply constant you should sew new batches every couple weeks. It sprouts quite easy, self-seeds and is considered a helpful plant to keep in your garden because it attracts insects that are beneficial, whose larvae will feed on aphids. Dill is ideal to protect your roses too! When you are ready to harvest you just snip the dill leaves that you need and leave the plant to grow.
Medicinal Properties
Ancient Greeks began clipping dill leaves as a sign of wealth and they flaunted their riches by burning the dill to create scented oil. In the Middle Ages, it was actively used in love potions and as a protection from witchcraft and evil.
Dill contains a very volatile oil that offers a relaxant effect toward muscles and the digestive tract which is why for centuries it has been used to cure such ailments. Teas are often made from dill seed to relieve nausea and indigestion and colic in infants can be treated with gripe water that is also made from dill seed. It is also full of calcium, minerals, vitamin C and it can even cure the hiccups.