Dill is an amazing herb with an impressive resume. It has been the star of the wonderful pickle for as long as most people can remember. It is an essential ingredient in a plethora of dishes and offers great nutritional qualities.
Dill has been spoken of as far back as biblical times as an ancient herb. Originating in the Mediterranean, it has been used for centuries to cure a list of ailments from female reproductive issues to improving fresh breath.
Benefits of Dill
Dill is quite unassuming as it appears as just a little herb; however, it is capable of helping to greatly improve the flavor of most soups and cream dishes. It is a wonderful addition to any garden, as it is has a light and airy appearance with a wonderful fragrance.
Don’t underestimate the ability of herbs like dill to be able to aid in relieving and even curing a lot of common conditions. It is a great plant to keep around for simple problems that are worth trying to care for yourself.
Nutritionally, one ounce of dill can provide almost half of your daily recommended Vitamin A and C intake. It is also strong in manganese, iron and folate which can help provide a lot of the minerals needed by pregnant women. It can also be an excellent source of calcium compared to milk in regards to serving size.
How to Grow Dill
Dill is easily grown in full sun and likes warm conditions with well-drained soil. It does not replant well, so sowing the seeds directly into the ground or container is best. Because it is a rather delicate plant, it needs to be grown in a protected area with access to at least six hours of sunshine daily.
Uses for Dill
Nursing mothers can help to increase milk flow if they chew the seeds. It can be used to relieve colic and promote good sleep. It can even be used to help improve your odds against cancer. The chemoprotective oil in dill has such properties that it can discourage carcinogens like cigarette smoke and pollution.
Dill will enhance the flavor of just about any fish, poultry and egg dish. It is excellent in pickling, well, anything.
At the very least, it is beautiful and fragrant when bustled in a ribbon and hung in your house upside down. The list of recipes with dill in them is infinite. The list of nutritional and medicinal benefits long as well. And you thought you were just eating a pickle.