Dill leaves

Dill leaves Also Known as Shepu, Suva bhaji. Dill has a bouquet that is aromatic and somewhat sweet. It is not a "hot" herb, like red chili peppers; rather, dill provides a delicate taste sensation. The dill plant grows to a height of 8-30 inches. The leaves are feathery and fernlike. The plant is a dark sea green color, with yellow flowers. The light brown seeds are about 3.5 mm (0.15 in) long, with a winged and oval shape. One side of the seed is flat, with two ridges; the other side, is convex with three ridges and three oil channels. The leaves, flowers, and oval flat seeds of the dill plant are all edible. The plant has thin, feathery green leaves, of which only about the top eight inches are used.Dill is one of those herbs that in effect have two different seasons. In early spring it is used for its leaves and then later in fall for its seeds. Each part of the plant has its own characteristics and properties. One of them is Dill seeds. Chopped dillChopped dill leavesWash the dill leaves thoroughly or soak in water containing a pinch of salt to remove all the dirt. Chop coarsely or finely as the recipie desires, squeeze out the excess water and then use.Dried dillDried dill leaves Dried dill leaves sometimes called "dill weed" to distinguish it from dill seed are used as herbs. Its fernlike leaves are aromatic, and are used to flavor many foods, such as soups, and pickles. Dill is said to be best when used fresh, as it loses its flavor rapidly if dried; however, freeze-dried dill leaves preserve their flavor relatively well for a few months.Drying leavesHarvest the entire plant or however many leaves you want and hang to dry in an airy place. This won't work in humid weather. Don't bunch too many together or the air won't circulate well. When the leaves are crisp strip them and store in airtight containers. Another method is to oven dry them although this is a bit trickier. Place on baking paper on a wire rack in an oven set on low - 90 degrees F or so with the door open. Watch carefully. Remove when dry strip them and store in airtight containers.

 Dill (1 tspn): 5 Calories