Dill Weed vs Dill : Are They The Same?

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“Dill Weed vs Dill : Are they the same thing?” I’ve wondered that too! Essentially, yep, they are. With a few minor differences.

But let’s dig into the tiny details that make them just a bit different – though, spoiler alert, it doesn’t really change much in the grand scheme of things.

Dill weed vs. Dill

So What’s The Dealio with Dill?

Nothing really. When people say Dill Weed or Dill, generally they’re referring to the same plant. The difference comes in when what part you’re talking about, and how it’s used.

Dill weed is the entire plant. So the plant stem (stalk) and the plant fronds. Usually, it means the fresh form. So you would refer to dill weed when you’re talking about what’s growing in your garden. You’re growing the whole plant – Dill Weed.

Dill is the culinary herbal ‘leaf’ that we use in recipes. The dill “fronds’ are the thin fragile leaves that grow off the stems of the plant. This is the part that we harvest and either use fresh or dry.

The stems of the plant are also edible and useful to cook with, but are thick and slightly too fibrous to chew on. I mean, you can, but I don’t think you really want to. But, they still have fantastic flavor so don’t throw them out!!

They can be used in soups, broths, sauces, etc, and then fished out of the liquid. They are stronger in flavor than the fronds, so they’re perfect to use where you’d want the flavor of dill, but don’t want to eat the actual plant itself.

Keeping and Storing Dill Weed

Fresh storage:

I like to keep dill fresh in two ways, depending on how lazy I feel that day. The first way (and easiest) is to make a fresh cut at the bottom of the stems of your “bouquet” of dill. Plop them in a small glass of water and cover them with a plastic produce bag. Keep it in the fridge with the bag over it, and it will keep for two weeks, easily.

The second way is to remove the fronds from the thicker stems. Store them separately in a ziplock bag with a wet paper towel wrapped around the stems, and in the other bag, a wet paper towel BESIDE the fronds. (Don’t wrap the fronds in the paper towel because they’re so fragile, they could be damaged by the weight).

Dry Storage:

I like to take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Spread out the dill fronds (after having removed them from the stems), giving them lots of room. I typically air dry them over a few days because it’s passive work and easy to do. Once a day I’ll go past them and flip them over so more surface area reaches the air.

This is a super easy and gentle way to dry dill. When it’s completely dry, crumble the fronds into a jar and keep it cool and dry for at least 6 months.

Freezing Dill:

I typically only freeze the stems/stalks because I don’t like what freezing fresh dill does to the fronds. Don’t get me wrong, the flavor is still excellent, and it’s a completely viable way to preserve fresh dill.

The thawed fronds just remind me of limp spider legs and it kinda creeps me out.

But the stronger stems are perfect for freezing. Freeze them wrapped in foil and kept in a freezer-friendly container. This is the way I was taught and it works great. Throw what you need into your soup or broth and you’re good to go for some beautiful dill flavor.

My Favorite Ways To Use Fresh and Dry Dill

My ABSOLUTE MUST recipe for using dill is when I make my cottage cheese perogies. as well as my easy cheese dumplings.

I also use dill when I make my dill and cream cheese dip (obviously), and also in my Cheddar and Dill Beer Bread recipe.

In the summer when all the fresh garden produce is coming in, dill always joins the party for my Creamy Cucumber with Tomato Salad.

Lastly, don’t forget the “head” of the dill plant later in the summer. This forms because the plant is mature and starts to form seed heads. Use those to stuff in the jars when you make homemade pickles!

Anyway, so you can see that while there’s no major difference when between the two terms because it’s really referring to the same plant.

Why Do We Call Dill A Weed?

Good question! Calling it a “weed” kind of implies it’s a pesky herb, right? But don’t worry; Dill’s no backyard nuisance. It grows like any other perennial herb. It grows fast and spreads out quickly in the wild, so it can look a bit like a weed as it takes over any empty patch of soil it finds.

So, why the “weed” part? It’s mostly because dill can pop up just about anywhere and doesn’t need much pampering to thrive – a bit like those dandelions that insist on living rent-free in your lawn. It’s easy-going, resilient, and doesn’t mind taking over a bit of space.

However, I can’t seem to get it grow in my garden no matter how much I try. It’s probably because I love it so much! Murphy’s Law!

Thanks for stopping by EazyGrub today! Have a wonderful day!