Fresh herbs like dill can add a greenish color and flavor to your food, through their appearance and taste. Though it may not be available in your kitchen all the time. As an alternative, most people use to keep stored dill for instant use.
If you have the desire and are fond of having dill available in your kitchen all the time we have a solution for you. Learn how to store fresh dill so you can make the most of this popular herb.
How to Store Dill
Storing dill requires a slightly different approach compared to whole ones. While whole dill can stay fresh for weeks in the fridge, dill has a shorter shelf life. Therefore, the key to storing dill lies in moisture control. Dill exposed to excessive air can dry out and lose their vibrancy.
Use a container having a lid on it or use a plastic wrap to warp them tightly to avoid this kind of issue. Also, consider adding some sort of moisture using damp paper in the container where you have stored the dill. This will help the dill to retain its moisture in it keeping its freshness and maintaining its flavour.
First, clean the fresh dill effectively by gapping and rubbing each under cold water to remove any dirt. If there is excess water remaining on the fresh dill then shake it well with the help of hands otherwise, you can also use a salad spinner to dry the fresh dill.
It is considerable that some moisture remains on the fresh dill. Then stream the ends of the fresh dill stems and remove the roots if any. Now place the trimmed fresh dill stems in a clean jar or glass adding about 1 inch of water like a flower bouquet.
After that, cover the fresh dill with a cover loosely and jar it with a plastic bag or wrap leaving some gap for airflow. Then store the jar in the refrigerator. It is recommended to clean the jar and change the water after 2 to 3 days to prevent bacteria.
2. Damp Paper Towel Method
First, wash the fresh dill with clean water and dry it properly using the salad spinner or paper towels until it gets dried properly. Then put the fresh dill on a clean, flat, and dry surface and warp it loosely in a damp paper towel.
Now place the wrapped fresh dill in a plastic bag that can be resealed making sure it is not tightly packed. Then seal the bag maintaining a small gap for air circulation, and store it in the drawers of your refrigerator. This method helps to keep the fresh dill fresh for about 7 to 10 days.
3. Plastic Bag Method
After washing and drying the fresh dill keep it in the resealable plastic bag directly. Consider gently squeezing out the air as much as possible before sealing. This helps to reduce the oxidation. Then seal the plastic bag properly and store it in the fridge.
This method helps to keep fresh dill fresh for about 7 days but in this method, it requires lots of monitoring for moisture balance that can cause spoilage. Use it properly according to guidance and be aware regarding the risk of fresh dill being damaged.
In this method use a container called Herb Keeper to keep your fresh dill fresh. Herb keeper is a container that is designed to maintain the freshness of herbs. While keeping the fresh dill consider filling the base with a small amount of water and putting the clean and dried fresh dill inside it.
After that close the lid making sure that the fresh dill is facing to the upper and the stems are submerged partially to the level of the stem in the water. Then store the herb keeper inside the refrigerator and change the water after 2 to 3 days.
How to Select Dill
Here, we have discussed the process of how to store fresh dill to sustain the flavor for a longer period without being damaged.
1. Gather Supplies
Before starting the dill drying process, it's important to gather all the necessary supplies. This will ensure a smooth and efficient experience. You'll need a sharp knife or mandoline for slicing the dill, a clean work surface, and drying trays.
Depending on your chosen drying method, you might also need a dehydrator or oven racks. Additionally, storage containers, breathable bags, and a permanent marker for labeling should be on hand. With everything prepped and organized, you'll be ready to transform your fresh dill into delicious dried treats!
Harvest timing plays a crucial role in the quality of your dried dill. Ideally, choose a dill that is mature but not overgrown. Aim for a dill with a taproot diameter between 1-2 inches. Larger will tend to have a woodier texture that doesn't translate well to drying.
When you select the dill to store it is advised to search for a smooth-skinned with healthy green leaves dill. This will help to make a suitable dish of dill that can be sustained for a longer period.
3. Select Greens
First, spread out the dill greens on a clean surface. Gently sort through them, discarding any wilted, yellowing, or damaged leaves. These may not dry well and could compromise the overall quality of the saved greens.
Next, focus on the vibrant, fresh greens. You can also chop the dill into pieces or leave a whole depending upon your plans on how to use it. The whole dill can be used for adding on any special dishes having less proportion of other items while chopped can be added for adding as a taste booster on other dishes.
While various airtight containers work well, zip-lock bags offer a convenient and practical option for storing your dried dill treasure. It is recommended to add some silicon packets available in the store.
This will help to absorb the moisture of the dills as the moisture present in the packet of the dill can cause mold growth inside of it. Then, transfer your dried dill to the zip-lock bag. At the head of the seal of the package consider leaving some gap to remove any remaining air.
5. Store
Store your zip-lock bags of dried dill in a cool, dry place in your refrigerator. The back corner of a lower shelf is ideal, keeping them out of the way and at a consistent temperature.
If limited fridge space is a concern, consider minimizing clutter and implementing a "minimalist fridge" approach to avoid food waste and keep track of your perishables. Keep the sealed packet of the dill away from the direct sunlight. You can also use other alternative methods to store the dill.
Try using natural methods light dipping it into the water. For this, you just need some cold water in a wide container. Then place the container in a dark room where sunlight is absent. They add the packed dill to it.
When a recipe calls for dill, simply grab a portion from the bag. To rehydrate them, scrub off any surface dust in a bowl of water. This rinse water can then be diverted to your compost pile instead of going down the drain a quick and eco-friendly way to get your dried dill prepped and ready to use!
As per the requirements use a wide bowl or container to rehydrate the dill. Apply cold water to it to maintain moisture. Wash the dills lightly in the water. This will help the dill to get moisture and have freshness and proper structure. Also, cleaning the dill helps to remove any unnecessary remaining left while storing.
7. Check the dill in Storage
Don't be a stranger to your dried dill stash! While their dehydrated state offers a long shelf life, it's still important to conduct periodic check-ins to ensure no rogue dill has turned moldy and begun to spread its unpleasant fate to its neighbors.
Well, the same principle applies to dill. A single rotten dill can compromise the quality and safety of the entire bag. So, it is recommended to check the dill in the storage from time to time if there are any improper or decaying signs. As soon as you figure out any unusual signs of decomposition then filter the decaying dills.
8. Drying the Dill
Now that your dill is prepped and your greens are sorted, it's time for the main event: drying! There are two primary methods for drying dill: using a dehydrator or your oven.
Both methods effectively remove moisture from the dill, resulting in a concentrated and shelf-stable product.
In the first step keep the washed and dried fresh dill into dehydrator trays using a paper. the set the dehydrator up to 95°F to 115°F for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. The duration should depend on the machine and the moisture available on the fresh dill.
Then check the fresh dill from time to time to make sure it is properly dried. It needs to crumble easily when fully dried. Store the dried fresh dill in an airtight container available keeping it in a cool and dry place. This method helps to retain the color and flavor of fresh dill for a year.
Oven
Oven drying is done by using the regular oven available in the kitchen at your home. First, set your oven to its lowest setting which is around 170°F. Then the washed and dried fresh dill into a baking sheet using paper.
Then put the baking sheet inside the oven by keeping the door open a little. That will help the moisture to escape from the oven. Dry the fresh dill for about 2-4 hours checking it every time until it gets fry and becomes brittle. Store the dried fresh dill after drying.
Firstly gather the small bunches of fresh dill then tie it with the help of a kitchen string. Then hang the bunches placing them upside done in a warm, dry, and well-vaporated area where direct sunlight is absent. Make the fresh dill completely dry.
This drying process takes usually up to 1 to weeks to dry completely depending upon the humidity. Once the fresh dill is dried crumble the leaves using a hand and store them in an airtight container keeping away from direct sunlight, The air-dried fresh dill can last a year.
Can You Freeze Dill?
To maintain the freshness and flavor of the dill freezing can be the best option available. To freeze dill sprigs, start by thoroughly rinsing the fronds and flower heads. Use a salad spinner or kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Place the dill springs upright in a glass jar or lay flat in a freezer bag. Alternatively, you can freeze chopped dill. First, wash and dry the fresh dill with clean water. Then chop the dill into small pieces as you can. Then add it into an ice cube tray adding water or olive oil on it.
Fill the boxes according to the available storage of it. Then put the ice cube tray inside the freezer making them completely frozen into ice. Once, the cubes are frozen take out them and seal them in a plastic bag.
How To Freeze Fresh Dill?
Freezing fresh dill is simple and takes about five minutes or less. All you need besides the dill is water, a cookie sheet, and a freezer bag or another freezer-safe container. When you need to use the frozen dill then take as much as you require.
It is easy to use and doesn't require any kind of effort. Just add the freezer dill to the dishes you prefer. Here are some of the freezing methods we have discussed below:
Dry Freeze
In this method firstly wash and dry fresh dill properly then remove the leaves from the stems and chop the fresh dill into small pieces like you do before adding it to the food you cook. Then put the chopped fresh dill pieces into a layer of the baking sheet using paper.
Then put the baking sheet in the freezer until the chopped fresh dill gets completely frozen in 1 to hours. Shift the frozen fresh dill to an airtight container, jar, or freezer bag then put it inside the freezer. This method helps to keep fresh dill fresh for about 6 months.
In this method wash and dry the fresh dill properly leaving the leaves whole in stems without cutting. Then put the fresh dill leaves on the baking sheet with parchment paper. Then put the baking sheet into the freezer until it becomes solid.
Then shift the frozen fresh dill into the airtight container, jar, or freeze bag by squeezing the air out of the bag as much as possible. This method helps to preserve the fresh dill maintaining its freshness for about 6 months.
Water Cubes
Do the same process as mentioned before that is to wash and clean the fresh dill properly with clean water then chop the fresh dill into small pieces. Then pack the chopped fresh dill into ice cube trays by filling each compartment of the tray partially.
Then pour water into the fresh dill in each compartment in full. Then freeze them until they get solid. Now take the freezer fresh dill cubes out of the store by popping them and then put them into the freezer bag, These cubes can be directly served.
The same process is repeated like the above method but the water is replaced by the olive oil here. Firstly chop the fresh dill into small pieces as used while serving after washing it with clean water and drying them.
Then place the fresh dill pieces into the ice cube tray filling each compartment with olive oil partially Do this in a 50-50 manner where the fresh dill content is half and the remaining half is olive oil. Then freeze it into a refrigerator then transfer the cubes into a freeze bag.
How Long Does Fresh Dill Last?
Proper preservation methods can support to increase in the shelf life of dill. It helps in maintaining its quality for various uses. To increase the sustainability of the fresh dill in the refrigerator use a wrap with a damp paper and put the fresh dill in a plastic bag.
Once it gets frozen take the cubes out of the tray and shift into a freeze bag or a polythene. This method can sustain the freshness for months maintaining the flavor.
Storage Tips
The first that needs to be done is to keep them in a place with low humidity, somewhere dry and cool, as these are the conditions they are preserved. Store them in an airtight container putting them away from direct sunlight to help maintain their potency.
The second thing you need to do is to use glass jars or airtight plastic containers that is sealed with lids. These protect dried peppers from unwanted air and humidity.
Label and date the container to indicate the date of storage. This will help you track their freshness and use them within their optimal period, around 6 months to a year.
