Tips for Storing Fresh Dill

Dill is an herb that has been used extensively in cooking for generations. Known as the pickle herb, dill is a staple ingredient for pickling carrots, beetroot and cucumber, among other vegetables. This herb is an annual that is easy to grow and maintain. If you decide to plant dill in your garden, you can cultivate it for yourself with minimal effort. Dill is also available in most supermarkets. Fresh dill leaves have much more flavor than the seeds or dry dill. However, drying dill is an option you can consider for long-term storage.

Avoid Washing if You Can

Dill weed is an herb that wilts quickly. If you want to store fresh dill in the refrigerator, it may last longer in the absence of excessive moisture. So, if possible, avoid washing the dill weed before storing it. However, if you find bugs or dirt in the dill weed you may have to wash and dry it thoroughly before storing it.

Storing Fresh Dill in the Refrigerator

After you harvest dill from your backyard or bring it home after purchasing it, do a thorough inspection to rule out any insects, worms, bugs and excessive dirt. If there are none, just shake the stems loosely and then place them in a plastic bag. Keep in the refrigerator, where it should last between 7 to 10 days. You can also keep the stems in a jar or vase with water and cover the leaves with a plastic cover for longer lasting flavor and freshness.

Freezing Fresh Dill

If you freeze fresh dill, it can last for several months and still give a good, strong flavor. You can either freeze the dill as is or you can cut it before storing. To store the dill as is, remove the bottom part of the stem. Spread out the leaves on a white paper towel and look for any signs of worms or dirt. It is best to do this inspection under a bright light, so that you do not miss anything. Then separate the leaves into different sections. Each section must have roughly the amount of dill you use for each cooking session. This way, all you have to do is take out one portion and use it every time you need dill weed. Once you have segregated the dill weed, put each section in plastic freezer storage bags and place them in the freezer.

You can also cut the dill weed and store it in the freezer. Avoid chopping it too fine, because more flavors will be lost. First, wash the dill and shake off any excess water. Place between paper towels so that all the moisture is absorbed. You can also place the leaves on a rack for some time till the moisture is removed. Avoid leaving the dill weed outside for too long, as the leaves may end up dry. Once the excess moisture has been removed, cut the leaves and separate it into portions. Store each portion in a freezer storage bag and keep in the freezer.