Anethum graveolens is a common sight in herb gardens with its feathery leaves and umbels of yellow flowers. Dill seeds are the fruit of the dill plant and are pleasantly aromatic with a flavorful, yet bitter taste. Dill seed has been used in traditional herbal practices for its beneficial properties and is also a pungent culinary spice. Typical preparations include infusions, extractions, and macerating in liqueur or vinegar. Dill seed can also be used to flavor baked goods and pickling recipes.

The Vikings cultivated a plant they called "dilla," or "soothing," that was administered to babies. The easy-to-grow dill weed has become an essential ingredient in cuisines around the world.

"Dill seed" actually isn't seed but the flat, oval, dark brown whole fruits of the herb. The term "dill weed" refers to the green leaves (and sometimes stems) of the plant. Dill seed and dill weed have different chemical compositions, different uses in cooking, and different applications in herbal healing.

If you want to grow dill in your garden, plan for success. The mature plant produces thousands of seeds, most dill seeds germinate, and the plant can invade other growing beds. Dill likes a moist, well-drained soil in full sun, although it grows on most kinds of soils. Stress on the plant by heat or drought improves its flavor. If you let dill come up on its own, it will mature and go to seed before you have cucumbers. If you want to use dill in pickling, plant dill and cucumbers at the same time.

Dill belongs to the Apiaceae family and is also called shatapushpa.

Precautions
No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.