Most famous in the United States for flavoring the brine in which pickles are cured, dill is native to the Mediterranean region and southern Russia. Both the seeds and the delicate leaves (called dill weed) have culinary uses. Refreshing dill weed is milder than caraway but sweeter and more aromatic than anise; the seed is much stronger and more bitter in flavor than the weed.
Dill can be used to enhance many foods and is especially popular in Greek, Hungarian, Polish, and Russian cuisines. It goes well with oregano and mint, and can often be used interchangeably with these two herbs. It also combines will with mustard, horseradish, and parsley. Fresh dill adds elegance to fish dishes and green salads.
When adding fresh dill weed to yogurt sauces and cheese-based salad dressings, add 2 chopped tablespoons (8g) per cup (236.6ml) of dressing.
Heat diminishes the flavor of dill weed, so it’s best to add it to a dish just before it is removed from the heat. On the other hand, heating brings out the flavor of dill seed.