Uses
Dill is high in calcium, dill seed having the highest concentration in the plant, containing 100 mg. per 1 tablespoon. Dill tea from seeds is used by many different peoples throughout the world as a remedy for indigestion. To make, steep one tablespoon dill seed in a cup of boiling water for five minutes; drink, then chew and swallow the seeds.
This herb adds a tangy enhancement to many recipes, and is especially good with tomatoes, fish, vegetables and salads. Use dill flavored vinegar as a topping for steamed vegetables. (See my article on vinegars: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/herb...
Here's my favorite fish recipe with dill:
Easy Baked Fish (adapted from Pritikin Promise)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds fish fillets (I like orange roughy or red snapper
1/4 cup wine, 3 tablespoons orange juice, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon arrowroot, 1 tablespoon dill weed, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder, 1/4 cup green onion
Directions:
Arrange the fish in a baking dish. Mix together the other ingredients , except the green onion; pour over the fish and sprinkle the green onion on top. Cover and bake in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes. Serves 4.
Planting and Growing
Sow the seed shallowly in rows where it will be grown in the garden, in the early spring after the last frost. Thin to about eight inches apart. If you want to get an early start, try seeding in peat pots so the roots will not be disturbed when transplanting into the garden. Dill plants do well in full sun, well drained soil with a ph of 5.5 to 6.7, zones 2-9. The foliage is fine and threadlike. Flowers emerge approximately three months after sowing. Dill makes a great background plant in flower borders.
Pests and Diseases
Most sources state that dill is virtually pest and disease free, but last year I had an infestation of Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Since the Monarch butterflies are not only beautiful but beneficial, I didn't want to destroy them. Instead, I transferred them to one stem and harvested the others.
Varieties and Sources
'Bouquet' dill is an excellent plant for dill seed. The flowers are early and big. Source for 'bouquet' is Shepherd's Seeds. For abundant foliage, try 'Dukat leaf' and 'tetra'. 'Dukat' can be found at Shepherd's Seeds and Territorial Seeds. Another interesting one is 'fernleaf', an All America Selections Award Winner. This is a dwarf type that is good for containers, and can be purchased at Territorial Seeds. Another long time favorite is 'mammoth', which is also at Territorial Seeds. The links for these sources can be found on the links page.
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