30+ Dill

The herb, dill, gets its name from the Norse word, dylla, meaning to soothe. Ancient Egyptians used it as an aphrodisiac and to ward off witches. It symbolised wealth to the ancient Greeks and good luck to the Romans. Puritans and Quakers gave dill seeds to their children in church to suppress their appetites. Today the seeds are used to relieve colic and stimulate production of breast milk.

It is said that the average Russian eats enough dill each year to fill a suitcase. The only country that eats more dill than Russia is Ukraine. It is also popular in Scandinavian, Persian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

It is a source of vitamins A, C, B2, folate, manganese and iron. Its phytonutrients are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. They support digestive and cardiovascular health. Studies have shown it may be neuroprotective.

Dill can be used as a garnish, in salads, sauces and dips, dressings, pickles, sauerkraut, bread, soups and stews.