Fresh Dill

Fresh Dill
US$3.00

Fresh Dill bunch (pick up only on this item)

Fresh dill is an aromatic annual herb known for its feathery, fern-like leaves and distinct, slightly tangy, sweet, and soft flavor. It's a staple in European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, often recognized for its role in pickling.

Explanation of Fresh Dill:

  • Flavor Profile: Fresh dill has a unique, bright, and slightly herbaceous taste with subtle hints of anise and citrus. It's delicate and loses some of its flavor when cooked for extended periods, so it's often added at the end of cooking or used raw.
  • Appearance: It has slender, hollow stems and finely divided, delicate leaves that are vibrant green.
  • Parts Used: While the leaves (often called dill weed) are most commonly used, the flowering heads and seeds are also edible and have distinct flavors. Dill seeds have a more potent, citrusy, and bitter taste and are often used in pickling or baked goods.
  • Nutritional Value: Fresh dill is low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
  • Health Benefits: Dill has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties and is thought to aid digestion, promote heart health, boost immunity, and even help reduce menstrual cramps. It contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Storage: Store fresh dill in the refrigerator. You can wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag, or store it with the stems in a glass of water like cut flowers. It typically lasts about 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, it can be chopped and frozen in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays with water.

Recipe Ideas for Fresh Dill:

Fresh dill's bright flavor pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients, especially:

  • Fish and Seafood: Salmon, trout, cod, shrimp.
  • Dairy Products: Yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, feta.
  • Vegetables: Cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, green beans.
  • Eggs: Scrambled eggs, deviled eggs, egg salad.
  • Chicken: Roasted chicken, chicken salad.

Here are some specific recipe ideas:

  1. Dill Sauce/Dip:

    • Creamy Dill Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt or sour cream with chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is fantastic with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for crudités or fries.
    • Dill Dip for Veggies/Chips: A classic party appetizer! Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt with plenty of fresh dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of salt.

  2. Cucumber Salad:

    • Creamy Cucumber Salad: Thinly slice cucumbers and red onion, then toss with a dressing made from sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh dill, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, salt, and pepper.
    • Vinegar-Based Cucumber Salad: A lighter option with sliced cucumbers, fresh dill, and a vinaigrette made from olive oil, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

  3. Potato Dishes:

    • Dill Roasted Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Roast until tender and golden, then toss with a generous amount of fresh dill immediately after removing from the oven.
    • Potato Salad: Dill is a star in both creamy (mayo-based) and vinaigrette-based potato salads. Combine cooked potatoes with chopped dill, red onion, and your preferred dressing.
    • Ukrainian Dill Potatoes: Simple yet magical, these involve boiled potatoes tossed with sunflower oil, pressed garlic, and a generous amount of fresh dill.

  4. Salmon and Fish:

    • Lemon Dill Salmon: Bake or pan-sear salmon fillets with a simple sauce of melted butter, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
    • Salmon Patties/Croquettes: Incorporate chopped fresh dill into your salmon patty mixture for a burst of flavor.

  5. Egg Dishes:

    • Deviled Eggs with Dill: Add finely chopped dill to your deviled egg filling for a fresh, herbaceous note.
    • Egg Salad: Elevate your classic egg salad by stirring in a good amount of fresh dill.
    • Scrambled Eggs: Stir in some chopped fresh dill at the very end of cooking your scrambled eggs.

  6. Soups:

    • Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa): A hearty and flavorful Polish soup made with grated dill pickles and fresh dill, often with potatoes and a sour cream base.
    • Creamy Cucumber Dill Soup: A refreshing cold soup perfect for summer.

  7. Salad Dressings and Vinaigrettes:

    • Whisk chopped fresh dill into your favorite homemade ranch, creamy yogurt dressing, or a simple lemon vinaigrette.

  8. Other Creative Uses:

    • Dill Butter: Blend softened butter with minced dill, a touch of lemon zest, and salt. Spread on warm bread, corn on the cob, or melt over grilled seafood.
    • Tzatziki Sauce: A classic Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce that relies heavily on fresh dill, garlic, and lemon.
    • Chicken Salad: Add chopped dill to your chicken salad for a bright and fresh flavor.
    • Refrigerator Pickles: A quick and easy way to make your own dill pickles with cucumbers, vinegar, water, salt, garlic, and, of course, plenty of fresh dill.

Remember, because fresh dill is delicate, it's generally best to add it towards the end of cooking or to dishes that aren't heavily heated to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.