There is a difference between dill and dill weed. Dill is the common name for the herb Anethum graveolens, which is a member of the parsley family. It is a tall, feathery plant with delicate, fern-like leaves and yellow flowers. Dill is widely used in culinary applications for its aromatic and slightly sweet flavor.
Dill weed, on the other hand, specifically refers to the leaves of the dill plant. It is the part of the plant that is most commonly used in cooking. Dill weed is characterized by its wispy, thin strands that are attached to a thicker stem. The leaves are green in color and have a fresh, herbal fragrance.
In grocery stores and garden centers, you may find dill weed labeled simply as dill. This can sometimes lead to confusion, as the term “dill” is often used to refer to both the herb and its leaves. However, when specifically talking about dill weed, it refers to the leafy portion of the plant.
Dill weed is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It pairs well with fish, poultry, and vegetables, and is a popular ingredient in pickling recipes. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, depending on your preference and the recipe.
While dill and dill weed are often used interchangeably, dill specifically refers to the entire herb, while dill weed refers specifically to the leaves. So, the next time you see dill labeled at the grocery store, you’ll know that it is actually referring to the dill weed, the flavorful leaves of the dill plant.