Dill is believed to be a native of the Mediterranean region. The earliest known record of dill was found in Egypt 5,000 years ago when the plant was used as a medicinal herb. Dill was also a commonly used plant in Greek culture for example to scent homes, make wine. Even the seeds of the plants were used by Greek doctors to aid with the healing of wounded soldiers a practice shared by the Romans. There are many myths about what dill was believed to be able to do this includes providing protection from witchcraft. The herb was also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to marriages, with German and Belgium brides attaching sprigs of dill to their wedding gowns or bouquets in hopes of blessing their marriage with happiness.

Dill grows best in soil that is kept moist and has adequate drainage, it does particularly well in organic soils. If planting in a herb patch it needs to grow at the back due to reaching heights of five-foot, it is also best to cut the plant to the ground every spring ready to grow back for the next harvesting. Dill is also a wonderful host plant for butterflies, providing them with both food and protection for their eggs.

Dill is best known for being used in cooking, the use of dill in food is something that can be seen around the world. In Sri Lanka, the immature flower heads are often added to salads, those in Holland steep dill in hot milk to help induce sleep and in Germany, dill is most commonly used for dill pickles. Dill is also said to be a useful remedy for indigestion and ulcers.

Gill has included one of her favourite Dill recipes for those wanting to try something new with their homegrown dill.

Lemon and dill cod recipe (one person)

Ingredients

  • Cod Steak
  • 1 lemon
  • Sprig of dill
  • Knob of butter

Method

  • Place a cod steak into a pan and squeeze half a lemon over the top, add a sprig of dill on top and a  knob of better pop in the hot oven for 10-15 minutes until cooked.
  • Serve with chopped dill and wedge of fresh lemon with a crisp English salad.

We hope you have learned something new today and for those of you who try out any of the recipes be sure to tag @GrimscoteManor in photos of your delicious lemon and dill cod. We’d love to see them!