The dill flower is the blossom of the dill plant. Also called dillweed, it is an herb and is a member of the parsley family. Dill flowers have feathery leaves and grow in bunches, and should be harvested before they germinate into a seed. Dill flowers are a major culinary flavoring agent and are a great herb to use in the kitchen.
Dill Flowers Trivia
- The word “Dill” comes from the Old English word “Dilla” which means “to lull” as dill has been the herbal cure for stomach ailments, hiccups, and colic.
- Dill belongs to the same family as parsley and celery. It was said that the Dill was first cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean region & Western Asia.
Dill Flowers Buying Guide
It’s best to grow your dill in your small garden so you can have your fresh supply at any time. You can also buy fresh, dried, and preserved dill at the farmers’ markets or grocery stores. Another way to buy dill is to purchase one from a pot and grow it in your home so you can have an endless supply.
Dill Flowers Production & Farming in Texas
Dill has always been loved by culinary enthusiasts because of its distinct flavor. They can be grown as an herb or a flower depending on the person’s taste. Many growers prefer to buy the seeds and plant them directly in their garden plot but dill can be started from seed indoors as well. Dill benefits from cool temperatures, which means that it is best to start planting in the spring. Luckily for those who want to plant dill, it does not require much space to grow.
Preservatives and Chemicals
Fresh dill does not need any preservatives and chemicals because it can stand alone as a very fragrant and flavorful herb. When buying preserved dill commercially produced and packaged in glass jars, be wary of the preservatives added. Like all other herbs, dill is rich and concentrated in vitamins and antioxidants. However, adding chemicals to it will defeat its restorative purpose.
Packaging
Fresh dill flowers can be harvested and immediately consumed, but they can also be sun-dried for a couple of days and can last up to a year if stored properly.
Enjoying Dill Flowers
Dill is one of the most uniquely versatile herbs. Its feathery fronds impart an anise-like flavor to every food it touches. Dill pairs well with hot and cold potato dishes. It’s also a great complementary flavor to grains such as quinoa, bulgur, wheat berries, couscous, and barley. One of the most famous grain recipes with dill is the Rainbow Quinoa Tabbouleh.
No seafood dish would be complete without the fragrant addition of dill. Tuna, salmon, and shrimp, are perfect when complemented with lemon, balsamic vinegar, and even mayonnaise.
Let’s not forget the wonderfully creamy, buttery, silky, and herby dressings we can make will dill. How about a classic Horseradish Dip Mayo or a Vegan Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce to be paired with freshly cooked gyros?
Storage
Use Dill Flowers within a few days of purchase for best results. Store the Dill Flowers in the fridge to preserve their flavors. Trim the ends of the stems and place, the stem end down, in a glass of water. Cover loosely with a plastic bag to prevent it from drying.
Cooking
LEMON DILL SALMON
This simple and delectable recipe will surely impress your partner on date nights.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried dill, or more, to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 pounds salmon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
PROCEDURE
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper, to taste.
- Place salmon onto a prepared baking sheet and fold up all 4 sides of the foil. Spoon the butter mixture over the salmon. Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, covering completely and sealing the packet closed.
- Place into oven and bake until cooked through about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with dill, if desired.
