The first time I heard of dill I was working for a supply company to a restaurant. It was new to me and I had never heard of it. So have you heard of this wonderful herb?
Dill is an annual herb that grows mostly in Europe and Asia. Its leaves and seeds are used as a herb or spice for flavoring food. It has a subtle sweetness making it a good pair while using garlic and mint.
Quick facts about Dill
Dill was supposedly first grown in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Western Asia. It is grown by planting its seeds ¼ inch deep and 18 inches apart. After two weeks you should see young dill plants appearing. You should give it another two weeks and then proceed to space the plants especially if they were not properly spaced before.
Dill is harvested by cutting the leaves or the whole stem, making sure to only harvest when the seeds are brown and ripe. Before use, you need to wash it to remove dirt and any other impurities. It is worth noting that dill does not grow after cutting it but the seeds can mature after harvesting making it the best way to get the next crop.
Dill leaves are dried by cutting off the individual leaves and laying them on a baker’s rack or a dehydrator’s sheet. It usually takes several days to dry well. It is also important to turn it once in a while to ensure that it dries evenly.
If you prefer fresh dill, you can store it by lightly spraying water on the whole stem then wrap it with paper towels. Afterward, seal it in a zip lock bag then place it in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator.
Use dill on your salmon, potatoes, and yogurt-based sauces for an awesome flavor.
Benefits of including this herb or spice in your diet are:
- People with diabetes are urged to use this herb as supposedly it has been shown to manage type 2 diabetes and in some cases prevent it from developing. Due to its sweet taste, it’s a safe alternative for people with diabetes in terms of food flavoring.
- Dill is full of flavonoids that protect plants from biotic and abiotic stress. It also is full of detoxifying agents, and antimicrobial defensive compounds. Flavonoids have been related to lower cases of heart disease and strokes by the fact that they reduce cholesterol levels.
- It is also full of antioxidants that protect cells in the body from damage by free radicals which are unstable molecules. These antioxidants also help reduce inflammation, help prevent Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and some forms of cancer.
Find ways to incorporate this beneficial herb in your cooking to enjoy the awesome benefits that it provides.
HTSPJ-02T
Disclaimer: The content in this article is for information purposes only. If you have any health concerns, seek immediate health advice from a qualified health specialist. I am a not a doctor and shall not be held liable for anything that happens as a result of any use of the information obtained from this website either as a whole or part of.
