Dill
Dill is not for everyone, but those who like it enjoy the intense flavor and healing ingredients.
Dill...
- ...soothes the stomach.The essential oils in the herb have been proven to have a relaxing and calming effect, reducing stomach aches and flatulence. Drinking a cup of dill tea works wonders and can help with stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
- ...is good for breastfeeding.Women who are breastfeeding should use the seasoning as much as possible since it is considered a means for stimulating milk production.
- ..has a draining effect.Dill has diuretic properties and therefore aids bloating and water retention.
- ...helps you fall asleep.Tea made from dill is considered a household remedy for sleep disorders because of its relaxing effect. Pour 150 milliliters of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh leaf tips, let them steep for 10 minutes and then drink warm. You can also pour 100 milliliters of hot water over 1 teaspoon of dill seeds.
- ...aids digestion.Dill is traditionally included in fatty foods because the many essential oils ensure even heavy foods are digested more easily. Dill can also relieve unpleasant flatulence.
- ...can banish bad breath.The aromatic green contains apiol, a vegetable oil that can bind odors, so it's ideal after a garlicky meal. Chew a few dill seeds from the pharmacy or fresh dill.
- ...contains valuable oils.Dill owes its aniseed-like taste and healing properties to a high proportion of essential oils like carvone, lime, phellandrene and others.
What You Should Know About Dill
Dill, which is closely related to fennel, is also called a "cucumber herb."
The delicate dill petals, which are harvested from the already flowering plant, have an intense taste. This also applies to the yellow flowers themselves, which you can eat with your meal and are a nice edible decoration for salads and vegetables.
Autumn, winter and early spring are not the best times for dill because that's when the herb comes out of the greenhouse and doesn't have much of an aroma. This is even more true for dried dill, which has little taste left.
Origin
The herb originally comes from Western Asia, the Mediterranean region, Southern Europe and Russia.
Season
Dill can be purchased fresh all year round, but it tastes best when it's grown outdoors from July through September.
Taste
Dill has an aromatic-spicy taste that's similar to aniseed and fennel.
Here you can find all dill recipes.
How Healthy Is Dill?
Dill owes its intense aroma to an abundance of essential oil in all parts of the plant. The tannins, minerals and resins in dill makes it versatile and offer healing effects.
The list of ailments dill is said to remedy is long. The herb has been proven to have a relaxing and calming effect. It therefore has been proven to help with stomach cramps, digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting and nervousness.
The fine-grained herb offers a lot of vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc. These vital substances ensure strong defences. The potassium from dill not only helps the muscles, but it also supports nerve function, thus combating cramps.
The herb also aids bruises and contusions, as dill has anti-inflammatory and decongestant ingredients. Simply rub some dill oil on the an area.
Dill also makes heavy foods like fatty fish easier to digest.
An old household remedy for insomnia is a tea made from dill, for which a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh leaf tips are poured into 150 millilitres of boiling water and left to steep for 10 minutes.
| Nutritional values of dill per 100 grams | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 54 |
| Protein | 3.7 grams |
| Grease | 0.8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 8 grams |
| Fibers | 2.2 grams |
Shopping and Kitchen Tips
Shopping
Good quality fresh dill has strong stems and a rich green color. Bundles with light or even yellowed and flabby dill should be avoided.
Storage
Dill retains its color, aroma and ingredients best if you place it with the stems in a glass of water or place it in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp cloth. It will keep there for 14 days.
Preparation
As with all herbs, dill should be handled with care. Preparation includes rinsing and then shaking the herb dry. You can then chop them with a sharp knife just before adding them to the respective dish. If you want a particularly intense aroma, chop the stalks so they're fine.
What To Make With Dill
Dill does not tolerate heat and will turn gray at high temperatures. Dill should only be cooked briefly, if at all.
Many people like dill best when it's combined with fish, crab, potato salad, light sauces or herb curd cheese. In France, dill is an essential ingredient in the "sauce à l' aneth," a cream sauce that is traditionally served with beef, fish and tongue. Above all, dill gives potato salads a special and fresh aroma.
