{"id":208,"date":"2008-06-30T07:25:39","date_gmt":"2008-06-30T06:25:39","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2021-03-13T10:43:16","modified_gmt":"2021-03-13T09:43:16","slug":"dill-anethum-graveolens-history-growing-and-storing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selfsufficientish.com\/main\/dill-anethum-graveolens-history-growing-and-storing\/","title":{"rendered":"Dill – Anethum graveolens – History Growing and Storing. By Andy Hamilton"},"content":{"rendered":"

Also known as Dillweed, Dillseed from the Umbelliferae family. Dill is an Annual herb and can grow to a height of 1.5m (5ft). When it flowers they are tiny yellow\/green. Dill is another herb that I have successfully grown in a window box. Dill is native (and grows wild) in many areas of the world including Southern Europe and the Mediterranean countries; Western Asia and North and South America.<\/p>\n

Brief History<\/h3>\n

The name dill is thought to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon ‘dylle’ meaning to soothe or lull. It was used by Egyptian doctors 5000 years ago and traces have been found in Roman ruins in the UK.<\/p>\n

In the middle ages it was thought to protect against witchcraft.<\/p>\n

Growing Dill<\/h3>\n

It is important that you keep Dill away from fennel if you are growing both, this is because they will cross pollinate and you will end up with a weird hybrid that won’t taste too much of either herb.<\/p>\n

To start from seed either plant out in a good soil after the chance of frost has gone. Or start them using pots or pug trays. Stay away from using seed tray as this herb is not a lover being transplanted. Plant them out at about 28cm (9inches) apart at about four at a time to ensure germination, thin out the weaker plants. Plant in a well drained soil in a place that gets full sun.<\/p>\n

Protect the plants from wind, they can grow quite thin and sometimes need a helping hand with a garden cane for bit of support. Rather than steak up each plant individually it is better to put canes around them with a string raffia.<\/p>\n

Water regularly in hot weather and do not give any feed, this only promotes soft growth which in turn will attract pests and disease.<\/p>\n

I have successfully grown dill in my window box, I simply planted a few seed in a good compost and water the plants now and again, when the soil looks dry.<\/p>\n

Dill leaves can be used within 8 weeks of the first sowing. It is worth feeding the plant after taking a cutting to promote new growth.<\/p>\n

Storing Dill<\/h3>\n

Dill leaves are best used fresh, so it is recommended that you keep a supply of plants, rather than store the leaves.<\/p>\n

To harvest the dill seed cut the stalks off the flower heads when the seed is beginning to ripen. Then put the seed heads upside down in a paper bag and tie the top of the bag. Leave this in a warm place for a week. The seeds should easily separate ready for storage in an airtight container.<\/p>\n

Dill in the Kitchen<\/h3>\n

I use dill to make a simple dip. Mix the juice of a lemon in with some double cream. This makes sour cream. Chop the dill leaves and add about a table spoon full to an averaged sized pot of cream. Mix with about a teaspoon of cumin.<\/p>\n

This goes well will Carrot Rosti<\/p>\n

Carrot Rosti – Ingredients<\/p>\n