Dill (dill), also known as dill, this plant is also called dill weed, scientifically known as Anethum graveolens, is an herb that can be seen everywhere in European and Asian cuisine, with feathery green leaves and yellow of little flowers. It belongs to the same family as parsley, celery and carrots, known as Apiaceae or Umbelliferae.
Dill is used as a cooking spice and as a flavoring in soaps and cosmetics. People also use dill seeds and plant parts that grow above ground as medicine.
appearance
Dill has delicate, fern-like leaves that grow on slender stems. The leaves are bright green and soft in texture. The dill plant produces clusters of small yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The seeds are brown, flat, and oval. While the leaves have a sweet, grassy flavor, dill seeds are more aromatic, with a slight citrus flavor, similar to coriander seeds.
Flavor Profile
Dill has a unique flavor that is both fresh and slightly spicy, with hints of anise and citrus. The leaves have a mildly sweet flavor that goes well with a variety of dishes, while the seeds have a stronger, more concentrated flavor.
culinary use
Dill is a versatile herb used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It is often used fresh as a garnish or sauce, and can also be dried or frozen for later use. Some popular culinary uses of dill include
pickled
Dill is often used to flavor pickles, giving them a unique tangy and herbaceous flavor.
salad
Fresh dill leaves add flavor to salads, especially those made with cucumbers, tomatoes, or potatoes.
seafood
Dill pairs particularly well with fish and seafood dishes. It can be used to flavor grilled fish, seafood soups or cream sauces.
soups and stews
Dill adds rich flavor to soups, stews and stocks such as borscht or potato soup.
Bread and baked goods
Dill seeds can be used to flavor bread, crackers, and savory baked goods such as dill bread or dill crackers.
Dips and Sauces
Dill is a common ingredient in creamy dips, dressings, and sauces such as tzatziki or ranch dressing.
Nutrition
nutrient content
One cup of fresh dill sprigs provides approximately:
- Calories: 4
- Vitamin C: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Manganese: 5% of daily value
- Vitamin A: 4% of daily value
- Folic acid: 3% of daily value
- Iron: 3% of daily value
Fresh dill is very low in calories but is a good source of many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, manganese and vitamin A.
Additionally, it has been shown to be a potent antioxidant, helping to protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules like free radicals.
Dill is also a good source of manganese. Although required in very small amounts, it is an essential mineral that supports the normal function of the brain, nervous system, and sugar and fat metabolism.
Additionally, fresh dill provides your daily value of calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, and zinc.
However, since fresh dill is typically consumed in less than 1 cup, you'll get much less of the nutrients you'll get from sprinkling it on food.
Dill seeds nutritional value
They have many similar nutritional values. One tablespoon (6.6 grams) of seeds provides 8% of the daily requirements for calcium, 6% of the daily requirements for iron, and 1-5% of the daily requirements for magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium.
health benefits
digestive health
Dill aids digestion and relieves digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Rich in antioxidants
Foods rich in plant compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, and tannins contain antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can reduce chronic inflammation and prevent or treat diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and cancer. Dill contains these antioxidant compounds as well as vitamin C. These compounds have been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and preventing liver, heart, kidney, and brain disease.
May be good for heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization states that about 75% of heart disease cases can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and chronic inflammation. The flavonoids in dill are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit heart health. Animal studies show dill extract can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but human studies have produced mixed results. Several studies have shown that consuming dill extract can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while other studies have found no significant changes. It's important to consider that most studies have used extracts, and the effects of fresh or dried dill on heart health are still unclear. Further research is needed to determine dill's effectiveness on cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
May help lower blood sugar levels
High blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. According to animal studies, dill may help lower blood sugar levels, but human research is limited.
May have anti-cancer properties
Monoterpenes are natural plant compounds found in essential oils such as dill and have shown promising anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, d-limonene (a monoterpene present in dill) has been studied for its potential in preventing and treating lung, breast, and colon cancer. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of dill or dill extract in cancer prevention and treatment.
antibacterial properties
The essential oils in dill have antibacterial properties that fight potentially harmful bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.
bone health
Dill contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus—all of which are important for bone health.
menstrual cramps
Dill essential oil may help relieve pain caused by menstrual cramps. However, current research is limited and uneven.
side effect
Dill is generally safe to eat as food. However, it may cause allergic reactions in some people. It's not known whether dill is safe when applied to the skin. It may irritate the skin of people with dill allergies and increase sensitivity to sunlight, which may lead to sunburn and skin cancer. Use sunscreen and clothing to protect your skin from the sun.
drug interactions
Use this combination with caution:
Lithium interacts with DILL
Dill acts like a diuretic, affecting the removal of lithium from the body. This may increase lithium levels and cause harmful side effects. If taking lithium, talk to your healthcare provider before using dill as dosage adjustments may be needed.
Diabetes Medications Interact with Dill
Taking dill extract with diabetes medications may cause hypoglycemia. Monitor blood sugar closely and adjust diabetes medication dosage if necessary. Common diabetes medications include glimepiride, glyburide, insulin, metformin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, chlorpropamide, glipizide, and tolbutamide.
cooking tips
- When using fresh dill, add it at the end of cooking to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Store fresh dill in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel or placed in a plastic bag, for up to a week.
- Dill seeds can be crushed or ground before use to release their flavor more effectively.
- Try combining dill with other herbs and spices to create unique flavors in your dishes.
- All in all, dill is a versatile and delicious herb that adds fresh, tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether used as a garnish, condiment or main ingredient, dill is a valuable addition to the kitchen, offering both culinary and nutritional value.
How to grow dill in a pot
- Choose a pot that is at least 200mm wide and 300mm deep. Place in a sunny location and protected from strong winds.
- Fill the pot with quality potting mix culture soil, sow the seeds, cover lightly and water. As the seedlings grow, remove any weak straggly seedlings; keep only the strongest ones.
- Water regularly and feed weekly with vegetable and herb liquid plant food.
- Cut off the harvest and remove any flowers to extend the foliage.
