Information About Preserving Dill Weed

Harvesting Dill Weed

• The flavor of dill weed is at its best just before the flowers open. While dill weed can be harvested immediately after the flowers open, the flavor will be weaker and less pungent. Leave a few inches of stem attached to the flower at harvest time if you plan to dry the dill weed. If you intend to freeze the dill weed, either cut the stems just below the flower or leave the stems intact.

Drying Dill Weed by Hanging

• Hanging is a simple method of drying dill weed. Gather several dill weed stems together into a bundle. Hold the bundle together with a rubber band. Hang the bundle indoors in a well-ventilated room or in a sheltered area outdoors until the dill is dry and brittle. If you dry the dill weed indoors, or if you want to save the dill seeds, hang the bundle upside down in a paper sack to prevent the dill seeds from falling on the floor. Crumble the dried dill weed into a glass jar, then tighten the lid. Dried dill weed keeps between four and six months.

Drying Dill Weed in an Oven or Dehydrator

• Rinse the dill weed in cool water, then spread it on a baking sheet, or on the tray of your dehydrator. In your oven, turn the heat to the lowest temperature. Check the dill weed often, and remove after 4 to 8 hours, or when the dill is dry and brittle. To dry dill weed in your dehydrator, set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and dry until the dill is brittle, usually 4 to 8 hours.

Freezing Dill Weed

• There are several methods of freezing dill weed, all of which preserve the dill's fresh flavor. One of the easiest methods is to rinse the dill weed and shake it dry, then freeze the entire dill flower, along with the stem, in a resealable plastic bag. Remove the bag from the freezer and snip dill for use as needed. Alternatively, spread the rinsed dill weed on a baking pan, then place the pan in the freezer until the dill is frozen. Place the frozen dill weed in resealable bags or airtight containers the following day. While you can chop or dice the dill if you prefer, it really isn't necessary, as the frozen dill is easily broken into small pieces. Frozen dill is best when used within six months. When freezing dill weed, no blanching is needed. If you usually use dill to flavor cooked foods, such as stew or soup, freeze sprigs of dill in an ice cube tray filled with chicken or beef broth, then add the cubes when preparing hot dishes.