My dill is almost ready to be harvested whole (most of the stem excluding the root unless it's faster to dry with it and also the dill heads where the seeds are).So my question is,how do I dry whole dill?I tried it in the past but mold grew on them so I had to throw them out.
I have a bunch of dill so I could experiment a couple of different ways if need be.
---One way is to hang the plant by the stem [don't leave it on the root, it will take a lot longer to dry if you do ] upside down in a shaded, breezy area for about three days, until the stems and dill sprigs feels crispy and easy to crumble. This is easier when the humidity isn't very high.
---Another way is in the oven, about 110 F for 6-8 hours. If you have a gas oven, you can just leave them inside the oven on trays all day with only the heat from the pilot light.
Anyway you do it, dried herbs won't last very long on the shelf unless you have some way of keeping them airtight. If they are not completely dry when you store them they will mold.
---Another way is in the oven, about 110 F for 6-8 hours. If you have a gas oven, you can just leave them inside the oven on trays all day with only the heat from the pilot light.
Anyway you do it, dried herbs won't last very long on the shelf unless you have some way of keeping them airtight. If they are not completely dry when you store them they will mold.
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Haven't tried it with dill, but with basil, I food process with some olive oil, then freeze tablespoon dollops on parchment paper. I actually do the same with pesto. Once they're frozen solid, I wrap them in the parchment paper (so as not to let them touch the plastic) and put them in ziplock freezer bags. This way, I thaw recipe amount at a time.
I imagine you could do the same with dill. Process with oil OR water, depending on how you plan to use them. If processed with water, you may want to freeze them in ice cube trays.
This year, I want to try freezing mint in fun ice cube shapes (I have stars and hearts) to add to drinks.
I imagine you could do the same with dill. Process with oil OR water, depending on how you plan to use them. If processed with water, you may want to freeze them in ice cube trays.
This year, I want to try freezing mint in fun ice cube shapes (I have stars and hearts) to add to drinks.
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I wonder how Dill would react if I cut off the flower head? Would it give the plant a longer life? Would I still have Dill when the pickling cukes are ready?
We had a lovely green and yellow stripe caterpillar on one Dill plant and I was so anxious to see him become a Swallowtail butterfly, but today he is gone. Supper for a bird no doubt!
We had a lovely green and yellow stripe caterpillar on one Dill plant and I was so anxious to see him become a Swallowtail butterfly, but today he is gone. Supper for a bird no doubt!
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I have never grown dill before. I've often thought about doing pickles but we're not really into dill pickles. Any other recipe ideas beside Tuna and dilled carrots? Not much would be needed, I imagine. Can the whole plant be used? I have used dried dill weed before and I do not even know how to get the end results of that from a fresh plant. I think it's the feathery part, when I think about it.
Has anyone grown it in the garden for simply added appeal? I enjoy giving gifts from the garden...maybe part of a herb garden arrangement. Tie it with a green ribbon.
Has anyone grown it in the garden for simply added appeal? I enjoy giving gifts from the garden...maybe part of a herb garden arrangement. Tie it with a green ribbon.