Dill

Details

Dill leaves (weed), flowers and seeds can all be used in cooking and all have the dill flavor. Dill weed is the most recognizable with its ferny, feathery top and is available fresh in summer and early fall. Dill seeds can be saved for use all year.

Grow dill in your garden even if you don’t plan to use it often as it attracts beneficial insects. Plant under apple trees to help control pests without spraying pesticides. Keep dill and fennel far apart and not downwind from each other because they can cross pollinate and make undesirable hybrids.

Nutrition: Dill weed is said to be calming, aids digestion, relieves intestinal gas and promotes lactation in nursing mothers. The seeds are high in calcium, with 1 teaspoon equaling 1/3 glass of milk—however, that would be a strong dose of dill if taken at once.