Dill Seeds: Essential Seasoning for Almost Everything

Dill is a flowering plant that is renowned as a culinary spice. Its herbal properties have made it a popular herbal medicine for centuries. Dill plants are found in Northern Europe and Russia, originating from the Parsley Umbelliferae plant family. In Europe, they are called Anethum graveolen, and in India, Anethum sowa. The Dill plant does not produce seeds; dill ‘seeds’ are nothing but the dried fruit of the plant. 

Flavor-wise, dill seeds are sweet and aromatic, an intermediate between anise and caraway. It is also used on cakes and bread. The flavor grows stronger as you use it more. Its flavor works well in sour cream and yogurt sauces. Dill seed is an ingredient of seasonings and is considered to be an aromatic carminative especially effective in relieving flatulence. However, it’s more commonly called a seed in cooking, so that’s what we’ll refer to it as. It’s a key component of pickling spice. Let’s delve into some of the dill seeds health benefits:

Health Benefits of Dill Seeds:

• Helps Better Sleep: Dill seeds are rich in enzymes and vitamins, including vitamin B, which eases stress and can help you fall asleep.
• Helps Enhance Bone Strength: Dill contains a good amount of calcium, which helps prevent brittle bones, especially for those suffering from osteoporosis. It is also known to accelerate the healing process of bones.
• Helps Eliminate Bad Breath: The carminative properties of dill seeds make them an excellent remedy for bad breath as well. It combats bad breath from the roots, by not only tackling odor but also improving digestion.
• Helps Boost Immunity: Dill is rich in vitamin C, which is known to boost the immune system naturally. Dietary vitamin C and antioxidant properties of dill seeds stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and oxidative damage.

Dill is an infamous herbal remedy with anti-inflammatory properties that are traditionally used to support overall body function. Dill seeds have a wonderfully sweet and herbal flavor as well, making them a great addition to your meals! They are often used as a garnish, however, their essence and health benefits can be well brought out when they are properly used while cooking. Here are some recipes with dill seeds, beyond just for garnishing.

Dill Seed Seasoning 

[Source: Galena Garlic]

This is one of the best dill seeds uses – there’s a light saltiness to it with the addition of lemon flavor, garlic, and onion powder along with dill, making it a heavenly seasoning that can be added to any dish!

Ingredients 

• 2 tbsp lightly packed fresh lemon zest (about 2 large lemons)
• 2 tbsp Dill seeds
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

• Sprinkle lemon zest onto parchment paper, cover loosely with a paper towel and let sit until completely dry for one day.
• Put the lemon zest, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt into a mortar and grind with a pestle or blend in a grinder. Add it to any dish!

Dill Ranch Dressing Recipe

[Source: Zestful Kitchen]

This dill ranch recipe is loaded with flavor, and it only calls for four ingredients, including the spices. The dill seeds provide an earthy and refreshing aroma and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup greek yogurt, full fat
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise
• ¾ tsp garlic cloves
• 2 tsp Dill seeds, ground

Instructions:

• Mix all the ingredients in a container and refrigerate. Use as a topping or side for any dish!

Dill Seed Pickle

[Souce: with spice]

The main flavoring in dill pickles comes not from the feathery dill herb fronds we use in so much of our cooking, but rather from the dill seed. This pickle is made from an equal mixture of apple cider vinegar and water with salt, and is one of the best recipes with dill seeds.

Ingredients 

• 1 ½ cups of cucumbers
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 tsp Dill seeds
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes 
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ tbsp salt

Instructions

• Wash and dry the cucumbers. Remove the stem ends and seeds of the cucumbers and cut them into spears, or sliced them into coins as desired.
• Fill the jars with the garlic, dill seeds, and red pepper flakes, equally divided between the jars.
• Boil the pickling mixture. Bring vinegar, water, and salt to a rolling boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Fill each jar with the mixture to within 1/2 inch of the top. Remove any air bubbles.
• Tap the jars gently against the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles. If necessary, add more pickling mixture.
• Make sure the lids are tight. Cool and refrigerate. Enjoy!

Dill Seed Biscuits

[Source: Pinterest]

These flaky biscuits are rich in butter and heavy cream and are flavored with dill seeds, which help cut through the richness with a refreshing aroma. These biscuits are easy to make and bake, and they are best served warm with butter.

Ingredients: 

• 1 ¾ cup flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp Dill seeds
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

• Set the oven to 425°F. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, dill seeds, and salt in a medium bowl. Incorporate the butter in cut-up pieces until the mixture has a coarse texture. With a fork, stir in the cream just until the dough comes together.
• Knead the dough gently about five times on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough 3/4 inch thick. Slice the dough into 2-inch circles using a 2-inch round cutter. Place them about 1/2 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Roll out the scraps in the same manner. On the baking sheet, shape it into small circles. 

Dill seeds are a great flavoring, pickling, and salad dressing addition, as well as an excellent source of essential oils that have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. We can all benefit from a cup or two of dill seeds to aid digestion, add calcium to support bone health, and enjoy its antimicrobial properties at the same time. Do try out these easy and flavorful recipes!