Dill with umbrellas

Description

Dill is an intensely green, delicate plant with a plethora of thin, feathery leaves and characteristic yellow flower umbels, whose later-set seeds have an anise-citrus aroma. The taste of dill is fresh, slightly sweet with hints of anise and a spicy bitterness, while the umbels add a subtle, floral depth. The plant is low in calories, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron, and contains antioxidants and essential oils that aid digestion, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are antimicrobial. Dill is perfect for fish, potatoes, salads, soups, yogurt sauces, and marinades; the umbels are indispensable for pickling cucumbers and flavoring vinegar or oil. Store fresh dill in the refrigerator, standing in a jar of water or wrapped in a damp paper towel in a perforated bag; the umbels can be dried, frozen in portions, or preserved in salt or vinegar to retain their aroma.