Monday, March 28, 2016

History of dill seed

Dill is native to the Mediterranean countries and southern Russia, grown for thousands of years and it is now cultivated widely in Europe, India and North America. Dill has been used since classical times in herbalism to aid digestion.

The name comes from the Norse word ‘dilla’, meaning ‘lull’ apparently because the seeds were believed to be good for insomnia.

The ancient Greeks used dill as a remedy for hiccups as well as for culinary purposes, and it has been a part of Mediterranean cuisines ever since. According to Dioscurides, ancient Greeks sued dill to flavor wine and in the preparation of the ‘anethinon myron’ and the ‘anthinon wine’.

The Romans credited the plant with fortifying qualities and made certain that gladiators were well fortified with it.

The Romans also classified dill as a plant of Bacchus, and fashioned it into wreaths and balls as a symbol of joy.

Dill seed is used as a condiment and can be used to flavor root vegetables. In Medieval Europe dill could not be grown fast enough to satisfy consumer demand for its uses in love potions, for casting spells and for protection against witchcraft.
History of dill seed

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