We all know dill by now as the well-known herb that we enjoy using in all kinds of dishes. The taste may be known to many people, but what do we actually know about dill? Is dill just a tasty seasoning or does it also have some health value for humans? In short, how healthy is dill actually?
The base
Dill, officially Anethum gravéolens L, is part of the umbellifer family (the same ‘family’ as fennel and chervil). The official name of the family is Aliaceae. Dill originally comes from the East and around the Mediterranean area, but has now become quite natural. We find dill in Egyptian writings as early as 1550 BC.
Dill is an annual plant with a thin round stem. The plant can grow to a height of 120 to 130 centimeters and is characterized by a narrow leaf that runs in a kind of feather shape. The leaves can turn yellowish to bright green. The blossom is yellow and actually forms a kind of umbrella that can grow up to 15 centimeters wide. The flowering period runs from July to September and the fruits are 1 to 2 mm long, egg-shaped and two-parted.
Besides the leaves and dried seeds, the essential oil is actually the most important part of the plant. This oil contains carvone and is an aromatic substance that is used in liqueur and perfume.
Growing
Dill is very difficult to transplant, so it is best to sow the dill in the right place. Do this in April or May with about 25 to 30 centimeters between the seeds. It will take a week or two for the seeds to germinate. To grow beautiful plants, it is a good idea to thin them out by 20 centimeters on sun.
Source: Hans, Pixabay
Dill in the kitchen
We now encounter dill in many kitchens (different countries), but it must be said that it should never be used in cooking and should not be combined with other herbs. Although combining works well with most herbs, this is not the case with dill. Dill loses its flavor when you combine it. In principle, dill is largely used in soups and sauces, but there are some more options.
Some examples
Dill is ideally suited to various types of fish, especially salmon. But the dried dill seed can also be combined well when you pickle cucumbers or gherkins. Often in combination with a dash of vinegar.
A tasty soup with fish can also be further flavored with dill. For fresh dill, remove the leaves and chop them very small. This can be added to the soup.
Dill can also be added to a salad. Mix it with some mixed lettuce, some tomatoes and a hard-boiled egg and some fresh salt and pepper. If you make an egg salad, you can also add some crushed dill for just a little more flavor.
What vitamins and minerals does it contain?
Vitamins and minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B11
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Buyer
- Potassium
Health supporting
- Against nausea/vomiting.
- Against a swollen abdomen, possibly due to stomach or intestinal complaints. But also if you have eaten a bit too much with hearty winter food.
- Stimulates appetite, which can work well, for example, if you are weak after a period of illness.
- Against flatulence, whether or not caused by certain foods.
- Soothes menstrual pain.
- Against bad breath.
- Can help dissolve stuck mucus.
In addition to the many vitamins and minerals, which are always good for people and make a substantial contribution to the daily dose, it can also help with the above matters. Give it a try when you can use it well due to one of the above conditions.
Conclusion
Dill is versatile and easy to obtain, use it correctly and it is an excellent seasoning. -amplifier. A seasoning that is also healthy for you. So use it regularly in your recipes and especially if you are a fish eater, dill is a great option for even more flavor.
