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Dill
Anethum graveolens
Ancient Egyptians recorded the use of Dill as a soothing medicine, and the
Greeks claimed “dill stayeth the hickets” (hiccups). This herb was valued so
highly in Biblical times that it was used to pay taxes. Jesus said, “Woe to
you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and dill
and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew
23:23). During the Middle Ages, it was used to protect from witchcraft. Dill
was used by magicians as part of their magic, while the ‘non-professionals’
infused it in wine for a love potion.
Dill grows best in rich, well-drained soil, in full sun, protected from wind
and heavy rains (or stake it). Thrown on the ground in the spring, the seeds
sprout and grow into 3 to 5 foot plants, mature, then reseed Themselves,
propagating the next spring.
Harvest
The LEAVES are picked before the seeds mature, and the SEEDS after the
flowering head turns light brown. To preserve for later use, you can dry or
freeze the leaves, dry the ripe seeds, and make dill vinegar with either
part.
Uses
Culinary
Leaves - Season dishes like soups and dips - especially delicious on
burgers/sandwiches. Add finely chopped to soups, potato salads, cream
cheese, eggs, salmon and grilled meats.
Flowering Tops - Add one flower head per jar to pickled gherkins, cucumbers
and cauliflowers for flavor stronger than dill leaves but fresher than
seeds.
Seed - Use whole or ground in soups, fish dishes, pickles, cabbage, apple
pies, dill butter, cakes and breads.
Cosmetic
Seed - Crush, make a strong tea, strain into a bowl for a bath to strengthen
nails. Chew to sweeten breath.
Medicinal
Seed - Chew them or make a tea with them, to serve at the end of a heavy
meal as a digestive. Use in a salt-free diet as dill contains various
mineral salts. Dill tea also serves to relieve indigestion, flatulence,
hiccups, stomach cramps, colic, insomnia and to encourage milk production in
nursing mothers.
(some information obtained from "The Complete Book of Herbs“,
by Leslie Bremness)
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