Dill - Anethum graveolens by Jennifer A.
Wickes copyright 2002
What is
it? Dill is an annual herb that can grow
up to 3 feet high. It has feathery green leaves, and can be found fresh or in
dried forms. Dill seeds are the dried fruit from the herb and not the actual
seed.
Where did it originate
from? Dill has been around for thousands
of years. Since the first century AD, the ancient Romans considered dill to be a
symbol of good luck.
Storage Fresh herbs should be
carefully washed then wrapped in a damp paper towel, then placed in a plastic
bag and stored in the butter compartment of the refrigerator.
Dried herbs
will only maintain freshness for 6 months to a year, so the smallest possible
sized container should be bought if any particular herb is not used
often.
Tips Add fresh dill at the end of the meal preparation to
help preserve its flavor.
Dill seeds, on the other hand, need to be
heated to get the flavor out of them.
Serve with Green beans, savory
breads, cabbage, carrots, chicken, corn, cucumber, turkey, eggs, fish, peas,
potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes.
Gardening If you trying to grow
your own kitchen herbal garden, then dill should be grown in troughs. It likes
the sun. Maintain a moist soil. If you are planting seeds, try planting them in
the late Spring, early summer!
Medicine Alternative therapies
believe dill to help with stomach aches and colic.
Recipe
Potato, Cucumber, And Dill
Salad
3 large Idaho Potatoes,
unpeeled and thinly sliced ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon
mustard ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil ½ cup chopped fresh dill
OR 1
tablespoon dried whole dillweed ½ teaspoon salt 1 large cucumber,
unpeeled and thinly sliced
Place potato slices in a 9-inch square
microwave-safe baking dish; cover with microwaveable plastic wrap and microwave
at HIGH 9 to 11 minutes, or until tender stirring gently every 3
minutes.
Combine vinegar, mustard, oil, dill and salt in a small jar.
Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Pour vinegar mixture over potatoes. Cover
and refrigerate until chilled. Gently mix in sliced cucumber before
serving.
