Dill Delivery or Pickup

Dill, or dill weed, is an herb that you may associate with dill pickles or potato salad. The scientific name is Anethum Graveolens, and while it's the only species in its genus, it is related to celery and parsley. It is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. Dill's flavor somewhat resembles the hint of licorice you get in fennel or caraway. 

Dill is known for its slender stems with soft, wispy leaves. You can purchase dill in both fresh and dried versions. Dill seeds are oval-shaped brown seeds that can be used as a seasoning as well. Whenever possible, purchase fresh dill over dried dill for the best flavor. If you use the dried version, you may find it doesn't have the same flavor profile you're looking for. While dill season is typically only spring and early summer, greenhouses make it possible to purchase fresh dill year-round. 

Dill has been used as a seasoning herb for centuries. One of the earliest mentions of dill is in Egyptian medical texts from around 3000 B.C., and the name is derived from the Old Norse word, Dylla, which means to soothe or lull. Given its name, it probably comes as no surprise that dill was historically used to treat digestive disease and colic in babies. Today, its best-known use is in pickling. However, dill can be a complementary herb in many dishes. Yogurt-based sauces, salmon, and potatoes are just a few of the foods that dill will add a soft, herbal spice to. 

Dill is also rich in antioxidants, which protect against cell damage from free radicals. Research has shown that diets rich in antioxidants could reduce chronic inflammation and help manage some chronic conditions. 

When you are at the market, you can find dried dill and dill seeds in the spice section, while fresh dill will be in the herb or produce section.

When buying fresh dill, you want to look for bunches with fresh-cut stems and make sure the leaves are not wilted or discolored. The fronds are delicate and airy, which is why they wilt quickly and bruise easily.

Dill does not have a long lifespan when it's fresh, so you need to use it quickly or preserve it. For dill that you plan to use within the next week, put the stems in a jar filled with water as you would with freshly cut flowers. This method will keep your dill fresh for about a week. The rest of the dill you have left can be preserved by drying, freezing, or using it in a vinegar-based salad dressing recipe. 

Whether you need dill for pickling, dill for seasoning, or dill pickles, it's easy to get exactly what you need when you order via the Instacart app. An Instacart shopper will get your order together and to you in as little as 2 hours!