Aug 21, 2013


Lanark County Master Gardeners


 

Dill is a herb used for flavouring. It belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly Umelliferae) as does fennel, queen ann’s lace (carrot), and parsnip. Its botanical name is Anethum gravcolens - not surprising, since the species name graveolens means a rank smell of intense and heavy odour.

The name “dill” comes from the Old English word, dile. It is thought to have originated from a Norse or Anglo-saxon word dylle, meaning to soothe or lull. Dill has the carminative property of relieving gas. There is a variety called “Sari” available from some seed companies, which is shorter growing.

It is a biennial but here it would probably grow as an annual. It is native to Europe, not surprisingly Germany, Poland (where it is used in polski orgorki) and most of the Baltics.

It is used to flavor many foods; it is one of the main flavourings for fish (gravlax), and is used in borscht and pickles.

Dill leaves are best used fresh, as they lose their flavor rapidly if dried. Dill seed is used as a spice. Dill oil is extracted from the leaves stems and seeds and used in manufacturing soaps.

Dill is the main ingredient for flavourings in dill pickles - cucumbers preserved in salty brine and /or vinegar. Dill leaves are used in salads, especially cucumber – but use sparingly!

Dill seed is added to heavy dishes, especially those made of cabbage and fat meats, as a gas-relieving medication.

In Canada dill is a favourite herb to accompany poached salmon.

Dill was used in many traditional medicines for jaundice, headache, boils, lack of appetite, stomach problems. It is also soporific or sleep-inducing. Dill seed can also be used to prepare a herbal tea.

Dill requires warm to hot summers and high sunlight with rich, well-drained soil. Seeds are viable up to 10 years.

When used as a companion plant, dill draws in many beneficial insects. Fittingly it makes a good companion plant for cucumbers, but a poor one for carrots and tomatoes.

For all your gardening questions go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.lanarkmastergardeners.mgoi.ca

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