Thursday 4 April 2013

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.                                                           

11 comments:

  1. Now I know better how to use dill.

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  2. Dill is not one of my favorites to smell or taste, but it seems the medicinal purposes alone make it worth a try. Great post for D.
    Kathy at Oak Lawn Images

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    1. I do not have a lot of experience using dill, but have used it on occasion when pickling.
      Glad you stopped by.

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  3. I absolutely love dill, use it all the time in cooking. Now knowing all its great properties, I'm glad that I do! Thanks for the information!

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    1. I will have to discover some of you recipes and use it a bit more than I do. Also planning on planting some this year....if it ever gets warmer. ( I am just north of you, in New Brunswick)!!
      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  4. Wow! Great information. I like finding out the herb and spice benefits. These seemed to be things people knew about long ago and used them on purpose. Now most are forgotten and our systems are paying the price! Interesting story: I was at the grocery store recently and overheard a man talking on his cell to his wife who wanted some dill seed. He was telling her all he could find was sesame seed and should he get that instead...She evidently told him no, because he left without any. I popped on over to the herbs and found the dill and gave it to him in the checkout. The expression on his face was priceless. Astonished, thankful and questioning. Cell phone conversations...hmmm. Was that eavesdropping? Should I have ignored it?

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    1. In my humble opinion, you did exactly the right thing. A lot of people would have heard it, but you acted on it and made his day!!! Kudos to you......oh, and thanks for your comment and the story!!!

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  5. If people talk loud enough for you to hear, how are you supposed to shut your ears? Dill is not something I have used much. Seems to be in every pickle available here though.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. I agree totally, Jo. I would like to plant some this year and see how it goes... and grows!!

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  6. Love herbs and spice. Interesting theme - I'm looking forward to the rest of your A - Z posts.

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