How to Prepare Dill Seed for Cooking

Though small in size, dill seeds are mighty in favoring one’s cooked food. These flavorful seeds with warm and slightly tangy taste elevate everything from soups and stews to breads and marinades. Yet, with most spices, preparation also plays a huge role in dill seed.

In this guide, we have highlighted all you need to know about preparing dill seed for cooking so you can nail their full potential.

What is a Dill Seed​?

Seeds of dill come from the very same plant as the herb, which we all know as fresh dill, yet the flavor is completely different. While fresh dill is light and grassy, dill seeds are warm, earthy, and slightly bitter. Their flavor is often compared with that of caraway seeds, though dill seeds have a sharper and more aromatic quality.

dill plants, dill weed

These tiny, oval seeds are commonly used in pickling, baking, and seasoning savory dishes. You’ll find them quite commonly in recipes for brines, rye bread, curries, potatoes, and vegetables. Dill seeds are lasting and versatile; hence, they could be a great addition to your spice cabinet.

Why Should You Prepare Dill Seeds?

Much of the flavor is contained in natural oils. Preparing these seeds will allow these oils to be released and their flavor to come out.  If not prepared, the seeds can taste flat or overpowering, and their texture might feel gritty in some dishes.

Preparing dill seeds makes them easier to blend into recipes. Toasting brings out the warm, nutty flavor while soaking softens the texture. Very little is required to get them ready, and the actual preparation is quite easy and doesn’t take all that much time.

What to Do with Dill Seeds Before Using Them

There are many ways to prepare dill seeds, depending on what you are making. Each method brings out a special flavor and texture. Here’s how:

Toasting

With toasting, dill seeds come out with flavor fairly quickly, as heat releases oils and gives seeds a richer, nuttier taste.

Steps to Toast Dill Seeds:

  • In a dry skillet, heat over medium heat.
  • Add dill seeds in one even layer.
  • Stir the seeds in the skillet gently by shaking it.
  • Toast for 1-2 minutes or until the seeds are fragrant and slightly darker.
  • Take them out of the heat and let it cool.

When to use:

Toasted seeds go well in breads, soups, and also roasted vegetables. They can also be good as a garnish for salads or grains.

Grinding

Dill seeds let out the essential oils during grinding, which makes their flavor stronger. It is used in those recipes in which you want the seeds to mix perfectly with the food.

dried dill weed

Steps to Grind Dill Seeds:

  • Toast the seeds first; this releases their aroma and is highly recommended.
  • Place seeds in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle.
  • Grind to absorb desired texture: fine for seasoning blends or coarse in rubs.

Ground dill seeds can be used:

Ground seeds are ideal for spice mixes, rubs for meat, marinades, and creamy soups.

Soaking

Soaking the dill seeds softens them somewhat and mutes some of the intensity. This is a handy method for recipes where you don’t want the effect of a crunchy texture.

Soaking

How to Soak Dill Seeds:

  • Put the seeds in a small bowl.
  • Add hot water, vinegar, or other liquid called for by the recipe. Use liquid just enough to cover the seeds.
  • Let the seeds soak for 10-15 minutes.
  • Drain and use as desired.

When to use:

Soaked seeds are outstanding pickled, in salad dressing, or added to bread dough.

Using Whole

Whole dill seeds can be added right into the dish in instances where you want a strong burst of flavor or a bit of texture. They’re usually used in pickling but can work in soups, stews, and roasted vegetable dishes, too.

cooking with dill

How to Use Whole Dill Seeds:

  • You can throw them into boiling soups or stew dishes, where they release flavor slowly.
  • These add to pickling jars for that traditional tang.
  • Toss them with vegetables prior to roasting.

Pro Tip:

Whole seeds are to be used in small quantities; their flavor is developed, but it will dominate in a heavy-handed way.

Infusing Oils with Dill Seeds

Infusing oils is a great way to infuse flavor to your cooking. Notes of warmth and tanginess will leave the oil perfect for salads, marinades, or even finishing dishes.

salad dressings

Steps to Infuse Dill Seeds into the Oil:

  • Toast in a dry skillet 1-2 tablespoons of dill seeds until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil or any other flavorless oil on low heat. Let it just get hot but not boil.
  • Add the toasted seeds to the hot oil and gently stir.
  • Let the seeds steep for 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, let the oil cool down to room temperature.
  • Strain the oil to remove seeds, if desired. Store in a clean, airtight container.
  • For a better taste, use high-quality oil.
  • Store the oil in the fridge and use within two weeks.

When to Use Dill Seed-Infused Oil:

Drizzle roasted vegetables with it, use it in salad dressings, or dip some bread into it for a flavorful snack.

How to Save Sill Seeds – Some Practical Tips 

Proper storage is important in maintaining freshness and flavor in dill seeds. Since dill seeds, like most spices, do not retain their aroma and potency when not stored correctly, here is how they can be kept in good quality for as long as possible:

Use Airtight Containers

Dill seeds should be stored in airtight containers. The best ones are glass jars with tight-fitting lids or strong plastic containers. Storage in jar without air does not allow them to have breaks in the essential oils and flavor of the seeds.

airtight container

Keep Them in a Cool, Dark Place

Light and heat are the enemies of spices, and dill seeds are no exception. Store your containers in a pantry, drawer, or spice cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources like ovens or stovetops. The optimal temperature for storage is from 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C).

Avoid Moisture

Another thing that may mess up dill seeds is moisture. Keep the seeds in a dry area to avoid mold or clumping. Keep your hands also dry when you handle the seeds, and do not store these near sinks or other humid areas in the kitchen. 

Check Freshness Regularly

Although dill seeds are considered to be good for up to a year, during which time they are supposed to be in top condition, after six months, they may start losing some of their aroma and oomph. The way to check it for freshness is just to sniff the seeds; if they no longer have that strong, earthy aroma, then it is time for new seeds.

dried dill

Grind Only What You Need

If you prefer to use ground dill seeds, grind them in small batches. Whole seeds keep longer and have better flavor, so store whole seeds and grind fresh as needed.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

Freezing will help preserve the dill flavor if you buy dill seeds in bulk or will not be using them very often. Place the seeds in an airtight container that is safe for freezing, or store in a foodsaver-type vacuum-sealed bag. Freezing slows down the essential oil loss, thus keeping the seeds fresh for as many as 2 years. When you decide to use them, first let them come to room temperature, then open the container to avoid condensation.

dill seed in gridge

Avoid Cross-Contamination

When storing a number of spices in one cabinet, remember to keep dill seeds away from pungent-smelling spices like cloves or cinnamon. Over time, spices have a tendency to absorb odors from other spices that may affect the flavor of your dill seeds. 

Label and Date Your Containers

Always label your containers with the date you bought or kept your dill seeds. This simple habit will help you stay conscious of how long they have kept and, therefore, use them readily before degradation of flavor may set in.

Conclusion

The seeds of dill, if prepared well, can turn any food item into something special. Toasting and then grinding them, soaking them, or infusing them brings out different facets of their unique flavor. Just a few steps can transform these little seeds into a big flavor for your recipes.

Be it pickling vegetables, baking bread, or simply making flavored oil, dill seeds are a must-have in your kitchen. Grab a fistful of them and try any of the techniques mentioned above to feel the richness they give to your food!

! Remember, a little goes a long way with seeds.

FAQs 

Can I substitute dill weed for dill seed?

Yes. Fresh or dried herbs and seeds come from the same plant; however, they display very different flavors. Dill weed has a light, fresh, grassy taste, while dill seeds are warm and earthy, with a slightly bitter edge. They are not perfect substitutes but can be swapped in some recipes with adjustments. For every teaspoon of dill seed, use one tablespoon of fresh dill weed or one teaspoon of dried dill weed. Bear in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.

How long do dill seeds last?

If stored properly, they can last a year. In their most flavorful state, they are best within the first 6 months.

What’s the best way to clean a spice grinder after grinding dill seeds?

Clean it with a dry cloth or grind uncooked rice in small amounts to absorb the oils within.

Can I use dill seeds for pickles?

Yes, dill seeds are great for pickling! They are a common pickling spice in brines for pickled cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetables. Use whole in your pickling recipe for the best results.