A-Z Blogging --"D"

 Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by  to visit!
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  For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. -  How they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.
With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning  for each day of the  A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.
Learn more about these terms.
                                                         

                                "D" is for Dill
                                                                                                                                                       


                                                                               

It's time for Herbs and Spices!

DILL

(pantrygardenherbs.com)

Dill is native to southern Russia, western Africa and the Mediterranean region. The seeds are stronger and more flavorful than the leaves and are most commonly associated with the cuisines of Scandinavia and Germany. Its green leaves are wispy and fern like and have a soft, sweet taste.Dried dill seeds are light brown in color.The seed are similar in taste to caraway, featuring a flavor that is aromatic, sweet and citrus like, but also slightly bitter.

Dill's name comes from the old Norse word "dilla" which means "to lull". This name reflecs dill's traditional uses as both a stomach soother and insomnia reliever.

Providing a tangy addition to pickles, salad dressing and fish dishes, fresh dill is available at markets during the summer and early fall while dried dill is available throughout the year.

Ideas for Use:

~Combine dill weed with plain yogurt, add chopped cucumber for a delicious cooling dip.
~Use dill when cooking fish, especially salmon and trout, as the flavors complement one another very well.
~Use as a garnish for sandwiches.
~Since dill seeds were traditionally used to soothe the stomach after meals, place some seeds in a small dish and place it on the dinner table for all to enjoy.
~Add dill to your favorite egg salad recipe.
~Mix together chopped potatoes, green beans and plain yogurt, then season with both dill seeds and chopped dill weed.


Medicinal uses:


Dill's unique health benefits come from two types of healing components: "monoterpenes" and "flavonoids" that have been shown to help protect against free radicals and carcinogens.

The oil portion of dill has been studied for its ability to prevent bacterial overgrowth. In this respect, dill shares the stage with garlic, which also has been show to have  bacteria-regulating effects.

Dill is also a  very good source of calcium and is therefore important for reducing the bone loss that occurs after menopause and in some conditions, such as Rheumatoid arthritis. The food ranking system also qualified dill as a good source of dietary fiber and of minerals such as manganese , iron and magnesium.






Sources:    www.whfoods.org

Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.