Dill
Family Umbelliferae (or Apiaceae)
Anethum graveolens, dill (An. graveolens 1), is an annual or biennial herb with a smooth stem, 60-70 cm tall, with finely divided leaves (An. graveolens 2) and small yellow flowers borne in compound umbels, up to 15 cm across. The fruits are elliptic, flattened, with dorsal ridges, 3-5 mm long.
Distribution
Dill is a native of Europe and was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the Middle Ages dill was supposed to protect against witchcraft and young brides put it in their shoes, together with salt. Today dill is grown in Europe, the US and India as a flavouring for soup and sauces.
Use
The fruits are used for flavouring pickles, in dill vinegar and curry powder. Dill oil is used in liqueur, sweets, meat-products, chewing-gum, sauces, and medicinally against flatulence. In Scandinavian countries dill is used as a vegetable.