Greek Dill: Cooking and Medicinal Info
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Dill, referred to as Anithos or άνηθος in Greek, is another common ingredient in traditional Greek cooking, especially in vegetable dishes. It is also commonly used as a garnish. Dill pairs especially well with greens such as spinach, which means that it is often included in foods such as spanakopita and spanakorizo. It also tastes great when paired with eggs and vegetables such as zucchini and squash. It can easily be used as a garnish, as well, in much the same way as parsley is. It also tastes great with fresh cucumbers, which makes it an excellent garnish for Greek village salad alongside oregano.
Where is Dill from in Greece?
Dill is a native plant to the Mediterranean climate in Greece and it can be found growing wild throughout the country. It is also commonly found in pots and in home gardens as well as being cultivated on a larger scale. Dill can be purchased in markets in either fresh or dried form, but the aromatic flavors don’t hold up well during the drying process so it is best to use the herb fresh. It is the leaf that is used most often in Greek cuisine, but the seeds can be found in Greece, as well.
How Does Dill Taste?
Dill’s flavor has been described as soft and subtle while having a slightly sweet flavor. Because the aromatic nature of the plant is lost while the plant is dried, it is most often used fresh.
What Greek Recipes Use Dill?
Tzatziki, Spanakopita, Kolokithopita, Vegetable Pilafi, Spanakorizo, Strapatsatha, Kolokithokeftedes, Lamb Fricasse, Fava, Zucchini Blossoms, Magiritsa
What are the Herbal Remedies for Dill?
As an herbal remedy, dill is most commonly used for digestive complaints such as flatulence. It can also be used to stimulate milk flow in new mothers. It also can be used in urinary complaints such as urinary tract infections and also for water retention, since it is a mild diuretic.
Interesting Facts About Dill
Even though most people tend to use either the leaves or the seed when cooking, all parts of the plant are edible, including the flowers. In Greek cooking, the leaves are used the most often, especially in vegetable dishes and soups.
Sources:
Many Greek recipes are different based on the region of Greece and family traditions, so uses of the herbs and spices contained on this page may vary. Also, GreekBoston.com does not provide medical advice and the information provided here is for informational purposes only. This isn’t a medical site, please consult with your physician. The medicinal health information is based on anecdotal evidence and Greek history.
Categorized in: About Greek Spices and Herbs
This post was written by Greek Boston
