all about spices and herbs

Family : Carrot (Apiaceae)
Origin: This plant – which was used as an herb and as a remedy by the Egyptians and Romans – probably came from Asia. In the Middle Ages, the Mongols brought it to Europe and since then it has spread widely.
Features: Dill is easily mistaken for fennel, as it has similar appearance and smell. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and its hollow stalks sprout smoothly feathered leaves. In late summer, the plant produces many small, yellow flowers in big umbels from which the dill seeds fall. These are round and when dried, they split into two pieces. A number of essential oils give the plant its distinctive aroma.
Tips for species: “Fern leaf dill”, with leaves similar to those of ferns, is especially attractive and can be harvested for along time.
Location for growth: Dill needs a warm, sunny place, and its smooth leaves should be protected against the wind. Grown in such a place, its aroma will be at its best. This somewhat demanding plant requires a soil rich in nutrients, which should be well watered but not overly wet.
Cultivation: Dill can be sown outdoors in April, and this can be repeated every 2 or 3 weeks so that you always have the fresh herb at your disposal. Dill is especially aromatic when it blooms. If you want to harvest the plants, it is recommended that you sow them in rows. If you want to let the plants mature properly, space them 8 inches from one another. Otherwise, the plants’s spreading roots will keep each other from developing fully. You can grow dill among vegetables, for example; sowing it among carrots and cucumber is a very effective means of repelling pests. The soil should be well tilled so that puddles do not form. It is easy to start dill and in following years it will grow back.
Harvest: The leaves can be cut off and used fresh through-out the whole year. They are especially aromatic if you cut them off after a sunny day. You can dry them or freeze them, but they tend to lose their distinctive taste. The seeds are ready to be harvested as soon as they turn brown. Cut off the seed heads and hang them upside down to dry. The mature seeds will fall out of the seed heads, so place a cloth underneath to collect them.
Cuisine: Fresh leaves give a special flavor to fish, vegetable dishes, sauces, and salads. It is best to chop them before adding them to dishes. Dill is also popular for flavoring vinegars and pickles.
Health effects: Dill seed tea helps against indigestion and flatulence. It also has a calming effect, and since it is a diuretic, it can be used for trouble with kidney stones. Mothers can use it to increase secretion of milk.
Decoratives uses: Dill is also used in decorative gardens because of its smooth stalks and pretty yellow flower umbels. It looks especially good when planted in beds with other perennials. Its smooth stalks may also be used in bouquets.