Dill growing in almost every garden contains a huge amount of substances useful to our body. Because of this, it is regularly used as an additive to many dishes and try to procure for future use. Of course, a fresh plant contains more nutrients than dried or frozen, but if the harvesting process is carried out according to all the rules, then the losses will be negligible. It is about the technique of drying dill at home that will be discussed in the article.
Which is better: freeze or dry dill?
There are two most popular ways of harvesting greens for the winter: drying and freezing. Let's try to figure out what is more profitable, to dry or freeze. Any dried grass has a more pronounced aroma than freshly frozen. But to prepare it, you need to spend a lot of time, and to know certain nuances of the process.
Freezing is fast. It is enough to chop finely dill, pack it and send it to the freezer. In this form, it will remain green. Dried grass, on the other hand, loses its color, can be stored without loss of aroma for four months and is able to give the dish a bitter taste. But then it can be added to any dishes, while frozen is usually used for first courses, sauces and omelettes.
As you can see, each procurement method has its pros and cons, so each hostess must decide for herself which option will be best for her.
Important! Do not cut the grass too finely so that it does not turn into powder during the drying process.
Preparation of dill for drying
For the procurement process to be successful, you need to properly collect and prepare the raw materials. It is better to collect dill in dry weather in the morning, but so that the dew has already disappeared. Otherwise, the greens may turn black or a putrefactive process will begin to develop due to the presence of moisture.
The collected raw materials are carefully separated from the roots, sorted out. Yellowed and damaged twigs, as well as foreign debris, are removed. After dill, rinse in cold water and leave to drain. Stems, leaves, umbrellas are prepared for drying separately.
Sprigs can be dried in two ways: whole bunches or finely chopped. The first option is considered more effective when the branches are dried whole, and after the leaves are separated from the stem and ground. So the essential oils are better preserved in dill, which means that the flavor of the seasoning will be more saturated.
Basic drying methods
Dill greens are very tender and if it is overheated, it will instantly turn yellow and lose all useful qualities. Therefore, when drying, you need to choose the most gentle temperature regime and a suitable place.
In the open air
If you are going to dry the dill chopped, then lay it in small portions on clean white paper in one layer. For drying, the workpiece is located in a ventilated area. The drying process takes 3-5 days, during which the dill needs to be rotated from time to time so that it dries evenly. The greens laid out on paper can be dried on the street, but then you need to take care of protection from wind and insects.
If the twigs are dried in their entirety, then they need to be bundled and hung by the tails in the shade or in a well-ventilated room. It will take several days to dry.
In the oven
When drying in the oven, you need to remember that dill contains a lot of oils that can instantly evaporate at elevated temperatures, so they need to be dried at a minimum temperature, up to + 40 ° C.
Important! You can not dry the dill near heating systems and in a very warm room, as it loses taste and other properties.
Greens are laid out on a baking sheet, in bunches or chopped, on parchment paper. The door is left ajar so that air can circulate. Every half an hour or an hour, the baking sheet should be removed and the grass mixed, checking that it is ready. In general, the entire process can take 2–4 hours.
In the microwave
This method allows you to dry the greens quickly. The entire process takes about 6 minutes. The crushed or whole spice is laid out on a flat plate lined with a paper napkin. On top of the grass lies another layer of napkins. The microwave sets the maximum power and time - three minutes. After this period of time, the upper cloth is removed, and the greens are checked for readiness and mixed. If necessary, put another two to three minutes.
Did you know? The Latin name for dill, Anethum, formed from the Greek "Aneton" meaning "penetrating", "fragrant."
In the electric dryer
In an electric dryer for vegetables, dill is dried in a gentle temperature regime. It is good if your device has a “grass” mode. Otherwise, you need to select the temperature yourself. How much to bet depends on how quickly you want to get the finished product. But above + 40 ° C it is not recommended to raise. At this temperature, the drying process takes 3-4 hours. When lower it can stretch for longer.
Video: Dill drying in an electric dryer
In fridge
You can dry herbs in the refrigerator. To do this, put it on a flat plate in a thin layer and cover with a napkin. The container is located on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Drying takes two to three weeks.
Dried greens readiness check
Determining readiness is very simple. Rub a piece between your fingers. If it turned into a powder, making a crispy sound, then everything went well, and the spice can be sent for storage. If the thin leaves are wrinkled, then you need to dry a little more.
Did you know? Antique Greek men presented their beloved beauties with bouquets collected from dill inflorescences.
Features of storage and further use
Spice is stored in any convenient container, without access of air and moisture, so that the essential oils do not evaporate. Such a container can be a small glass jar with an airtight lid or an opaque dense bag with a zip fastener. It is advisable to place the spice in a cool dark place. The container should be periodically opened so that the greens are ventilated, and its condition can be estimated.
In use, there are no features. Use dill as a seasoning for any dish.
In this review, various methods of drying greens have been described. Choose what you like and start preparing the product.
