Dill is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes.
In this post, we’ll show you how to preserve dill so that you can enjoy its flavor for months to come.
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Introducing Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb in the celery family Apiaceae. It is the only species in the genus Anethum. Dill is grown widely in Eurasia where its leaves and seeds are used as an herb or spice for flavoring food.
Dill grows up to 40–60 cm (16–24 in), with slender hollow stems and alternate, finely divided, soft green leaves 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) long and 0.5–3 cm (0.20–1.18 in) broad. Its flowers are yellow, 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) wide, and occur in large compound umbels 5–15 cm (2–6 in) diameter; they are gathered into a flat-topped Umbel inflorescence borne atop a stem that branches from the bottom of the main axis yet is shorter than it; each flower has five petals, four stamens, and one pistil; blooming occurs when the seeds reach maturity on the plant or soon afterwards.[1][2] The flowers are pollinated by many types of insects including bees, butterflies and beetles.[1][3]
The fruit is a lateral fusiform or ovoid umbel follicle that separates at maturity into two mericarps each containing one seed.[4][5][6] Each fruit evolves from two carpels that separate from one another at maturity.[7] The word dill first appeared in English about 1100 AD.[8]
Why You Should Preserve Dill
Dill is a aromatic herb that is commonly used in pickling recipes, as well as in many dishes from Central and Eastern Europe. The flavor of dill is best preserved by drying it, but it can also be frozen or pickled. If you grow your own dill, or if you have some that is beginning to wilt, here are some tips on how to preserve dill so that you can enjoy its flavor all year long.
Drying Dill
The best way to preserve the flavor of dill is to dry it. Start by cutting the dill plants about an inch above the soil line. You can then hang them upside down in a cool, dark place until the leaves are crisp. Once the leaves are dry, remove them from the stem and store them in an airtight container Dried dill will keep for up to six months.
Freezing Dill
If you don’t want to take the time to dry your dill, you can also freeze it. Start by chopping the dill and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date so that you know when it was frozen. Frozen dill will keep for up to six months and can be used in any recipe that calls for fresh dill.
Pickling Dill
Another way to preserve dill is by pickling it. This is a great option if you want to be able to use the dill immediately, as it only takes a few days for the pickling process to be complete. Start by sterilizing a glass jar and then adding fresh dill, vinegar, water and salt. Be sure to Leave an inch of headspace at the top of the jar so that the vinegar doesn’t overflow when it’s added. screw on the lid and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks before using.
The Best Ways to Preserve Dill
Dill is a delicate herb with a short shelf life. To get the most out of your dill, it’s important to know how to preserve it properly. Here are some of the best ways to preserve dill so that it retains its flavor and freshness for a long time.
-One of the best ways to preserve dill is to freeze it. Dill can be frozen in both whole and chopped form. To freeze whole dill, simply place the herb in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen dill will retain its flavor for up to six months. To freeze chopped dill, first spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the chopped dill to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen chopped dill will retain its flavor for up to two months.
-Another great way to preserve dill is by drying it. Dill can be dried using a dehydrator or by hanging it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place. Once dried, store the dill in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried dill will retain its flavor for up to one year.
-You can also preserve dill by pickling it. To pickle dill, simply pack the herb into clean jars and cover with vinegar or brine solution. Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to two months.
How to Store Preserved Dill
Assuming you have an Airtight container preserving dill in the fridge is easy – and it’ll last for weeks.To give your dill the longest possible shelf life, start by trimming the dill’s stems down to about an inch. This will prevent the stems from leaching moisture into the leaves and causing them to wilt. Once your dill is trimmed, rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Arrange the dill in your container so that the leaves are not touching one another, then cover with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. If you’re using a jar, you can add a layer of water to help keep the dill hydrated (just be sure to drain it before using). Dill preserved this way will last for up to four weeks in the fridge.
Tips for Using Preserved Dill
Dill is a popular herb used in pickling and canning, as well as in many cooked dishes. If you grow your own dill or just want to have it on hand for the long winter months, you can preserve it in a number of ways.
Here are some tips for using preserved dill:
-Pickled dill can be used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces.
-Dried dill can be used to flavor breads, stuffings, and casseroles.
-Freeze dill in ice cube trays for use in soups and sauces.
-Add preserved dill to potato and egg salads for extra flavor.
Recipes That Use Preserved Dill
Dill is a versatile herb that can be used in many different recipes. It has a distinct flavor that is both refreshing and slightly spicy. Dill can be used in both cooked and raw dishes, and it pairs well with fish, chicken, vegetables, and yogurt.
If you want to preserve dill for long-lasting flavor, there are a few different methods you can use. You can pickle dill or preserve it in oil. Both methods will allow you to use dill for months after it is picked.
To pickle dill, you will need to sterilize jars and lids first. Then, pack the dill into the jars and cover it with vinegar. You can also add garlic, onion, and peppercorns to the jars for extra flavor. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place.
If you want to preserve dill in oil, start by washing the dill and drying it thoroughly. Then, place the dill in a jar and cover it with Olive Oil Store the jar in a cool, dark place and use the dill within two months.
More Recipes That Use Preserved Dill
Try these recipes that make the most of preserved dill:
Dill-Pickled eggs: Hard-boil eggs, then transfer to a jar with equal parts white vinegar and water. Add a small handful of dill sprigs to the jar. Let sit for at least 24 hours before eating.
Dilled potato salad: Cook diced potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add diced red onion, celery, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and pickled dill to taste. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Dilled Green beans Trim fresh green beans and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and place in a jar or container. Add dill sprigs, garlic cloves and vinegar ( cider vinegar works well) to cover. Let sit for at least 24 hours before eating.
Dilled shrimp salad: Cook shrimp in boiling water until pink and just done, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then peel and chop shrimp into bite-size pieces. In a large bowl, mix together chopped shrimp, diced celery, diced red onion, lemon juice mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and pickled dill to taste. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving
And More Recipes That Use Preserved Dill
Dill is a delicate herb with a short shelf life, so it’s often sold in small plastic containers that you use once and then toss. But if you grow your own dill or buy it in bulk, you’ll want to find ways to preserve it for later. Dill can be preserved in several ways, including freezing, drying, and pickling.
And More Recipes That Use Preserved Dill
-Dill butter: Combine 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter with 1/4 cup finely chopped dill. Mix well and store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
-Dill Dip: Mix 2 tablespoons each of chopped fresh dill, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Add 1/4 teaspoon onion powder and a pinch of salt. Mix well and store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
– Salmon with Dill Sauce: Season 4 6-ounce salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup each of plain yogurt, mayonnaise, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve salmon fillets with the dill sauce on the side.
FAQs About Preserving Dill
Q: How long does dill last?
A: Depending on how it is stored, dill will usually last no more than a few weeks in the fridge. It can last even shorter if it is not wrapped tightly. If you want your dill to last longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to six months.
Q: What is the best way to store dill?
A: Dill should be stored in a cool, dark place. If you are storing it in the fridge, make sure to wrap it tightly so that it does not dry out. You can also freezes dill in an airtight container for long-term storage.
Q: Can I grow my own dill?
A: Yes! Dill is a relatively easy herb to grow at home. You can start seeds indoors or sow them directly into your garden in the spring. Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Get the Most Out of Your Dill
Dill is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pickles to potato salad. Though it’s available year-round, dill is best in the summer when it’s fresh. If you grow your own dill or buy it from a farmers market, you’ll want to preserve it so you can enjoy its flavor all year long.
There are a few different ways to preserve dill, and the method you choose will depend on how you plan to use it. If you want to use the dill fresh, like in a salad or as a garnish, you can store it in a jar of water in the fridge. This will keep the dill fresh for up to two weeks.
If you want to use the dill dried, like in soups or stews, you can tie the dill heads together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once the dill is completely dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container. Dried dill will keep for up to six months.
You can also freeze dill for long-term storage. Chop the dill and place it in freezer bags or containers. It will keep for up to one year. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the dill in the fridge and use it as you would fresh dill.
