Learn how to store fresh dill to extend the shelf life of this delicate herb and enjoy its flavor longer. Check out these 3 easy ways to preserve herbs without additional ingredients or equipment.

Have a bumper crop of dill right now? Don't let it go to waste!

Discover three easy methods to extend the shelf life of your dill so you can have a ready supply of flavorful dill to enhance your dishes in various ways.

It's particularly great with seafood recipes and as garnish in soups.

Fresh dill has been a personal favorite herb of mine for years and for a good reason. It has a unique and distinct flavor profile and is known for its fresh and herbaceous taste with a hint of sweetness.

Say goodbye to sad and dying herbs in the back of your fridge, and hello to long-lasting, delicious dill!

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Why you'll love this post

Easy methods with no other ingredients - These three methods are incredibly easy and require no added oil or fancy equipment like ice cube trays. It's all about simple techniques to preserve fresh dill and keep it tasting fresh and flavorful.

Extend the shelf life of fresh dill - No more wasting those precious herbs! Fresh dill can be pricey, so capture that vibrant flavor for longer. Whether you source this popular herb from the grocery store or your herb garden - this is a great way to enjoy it even during off-season.

Have dill ready for various usage - Need some creamy dip? Check. Want to add a burst of freshness to your grilled salmon? You got it. With preserved dill on hand, you'll have the perfect herb at your fingertips to take your dishes to the next level.

💭Make it Nutrient-Dense: Use the freezing method to capture the nutrition and flavor of the dill when the dill is at its peak freshness. 

Wash and dry fresh dill

First things first. No matter how you store dill, you must start with clean and fully dry herb.

Starting with washed and dried dill sets the foundation for optimal flavor, texture, and food safety in the coming weeks (and months if freezing)!

If you store dill for longer use, you have to ensure it's free from dirt and potential contaminants.

Plus, washing the dill also helps to revive its appearance. You'll notice that the dill looks more vibrant and appealing after a good wash in cold water. And the drying process helps preserve the flavor and improve texture, making the dill crisper and more enjoyable.

When dill is fully clean and dry, it's an ideal garnish or pop of color and taste to any dish!

Before you learn how to store fresh dill, follow these simple steps to ensure your aromatic herb is clean and dry:

1. Wash the dill bunch under cool running water.
2. Shake off excess water, being careful not to handle the dill too roughly to prevent damaging the delicate leaves.
3. Pat dry with paper towels, absorbing as much excess moisture as possible. You can also roll the towel around the dill and squeeze it lightly.
4. The best method to remove excess liquid is to run the dill in a salad spinner.
5. Air dry the dill on a clean towel, paper towel, or cooling rack to allow good air circulation.

💭Pro tip: Don't skip the drying! Fully dried dill captures the flavor, improves texture, extends shelf life and ensures optimal taste in recipes. 

Option 1: Store in glass jar

• Supplies needed: A glass mason jar.
• How long will dill last: Up to a week.
• Where to store: This is an excellent method if you have extra space on your fridge shelf.
• Pros: Whole dill sprigs are great for easy and quick garnish.
• Cons: This method requires regular upkeep: removing wilted dill sprigs and adding just enough water to the jar as needed. There's also the risk of the glass jar being knocked over and the water spilling out since it's not sealed.

How to store fresh dill in a glass jar:

1. Trim about 1" of the ends of the dill sprigs (the stem parts) and remove any wilted or discolored parts.
2. Take a clean glass mason jar and place the dill sprigs inside, ensuring they fit comfortably without being too tightly packed. You will have a bouquet of dill with dill leaves draping over the sides.
3. Add about 2 inches of cool water to the bottom of the jar.
4. From here, you can cover it with plastic wrap, a bag, or a light kitchen flour sack and secure it with a rubber band at the bottom of the jar.
5. Place on a refrigerator shelf and pull out as needed.

Option 2: Chopped fresh dill

• Supplies needed: An airtight container and a paper towel to absorb any moisture.
• How long will dill last: Up to 14 days.
• Where to store: In an airtight container on the shelf or crisper drawer in your fridge.
• Pros: Dill is ready to use, saving time in the kitchen, and allows you to take as little or as much dill as required per recipe. This is the easiest way to keep dill for long-term storage.
• Cons: Chopped dill loses its vibrant flavor and aroma more quickly than whole sprigs.

How to store fresh dill chopped in a container:

Note: Check out how to chop fresh dill for a comprehensive post on chopped dill. Turns out, there's a lot to learn about this fresh herb!

1. Remove the dill leaves from the stems and chop the dill into small pieces or to the desired size.
2. Choose a clean, airtight container suitable for storing herbs. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
3. Line the bottom of the container with a paper towel (I fold mine into thirds).
4. Transfer the chopped dill to the container. Seal the container to prevent the air and moisture from entering to help maintain the freshness and flavor of the chopped dill.
5. Store the container in the refrigerator on a shelf or crisper drawer.

Option 3: Wrap in a paper towel

• Supplies needed: A paper towel, kitchen flour sack, and a large gallon-size ziplock bag.
• How long will dill last: Up to 16 days.
• Where to store: Crisper drawer in your fridge.
• Pros: Less space is needed; dill lasts longer; and less upkeep.
• Cons: Dill will wilt faster without water and has the potential of drying out the dill.

How to store fresh dill wrapped in a paper towel:

1. Lay the dry dill sprigs on the paper towel, either in a bunch or arrange them in a single layer.
2. Carefully roll the paper towel to cover the dill, creating a neat bundle.
3. Place the wrapped dill in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
4. Seal the container tightly to prevent air and moisture from entering.
5. Place in the fridge, and when ready to use, unwrap the paper towel and take out the desired amount. Reseal the remaining dill and return it to the fridge.

💭Pro tip: Avoid using a damp paper towel as the moisture will actually cause the dill to wilt and spoil quicker.

Freezing Fresh Dill

The above methods are great for having dill available for up to two weeks. But beyond that, you may want to consider freezing fresh dill.

Freezing dill can be a practical way to extend its shelf life and ensure this flavorful herb is on hand while minimizing waste and maximizing convenience in your kitchen.

The good news is that you don't need anything beyond dill and a freezer-safe bag. Freezing fresh herbs in ice cube trays and covering them with olive oil is an excellent way to preserve hardy herbs, but it's not a great option for delicate herbs like fresh dill.

But not to worry - you can freeze dill for a long time and enjoy fresh flavor even when it's out of season.

How to freeze fresh dill:

1. Start with clean, dried, and chopped dill.
2. Place the chopped dill or stems into the freezer bag, pushing out as much excess air as possible to avoid spoilage.
3. Label and date the bags and lay them flat in the freezer. It's best to freeze the dill quickly to maintain its quality.
4. Freeze for up to 6 months for the best flavor.

And here's the great thing about frozen dill - you do not have to thaw it before using it!

That's right - you can use frozen dill directly from the freezer. Remove the desired amount from the freezer for recipes requiring chopped dill and add it directly to the dish. The frozen dill will thaw instantly and impart its flavor into your recipe.

Frozen dill can be used in various dishes like soups, stews, marinades, and salads. While the texture of frozen dill may slightly change after freezing and thawing, the flavor and aroma will remain intact.

While frozen dill can be used in most recipes - you may want to opt for fresh when it comes to garnishing, like for cucumber salmon bites.

Helpful Tools & Links

Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you consider storing fresh dill for longer storage. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store, but having a link helps you know what you're looking for.

• Tools: chef knife, cutting board, organic flour sacks, salad spinner
• Storage Supplies: glass snap containers, airtight plastic containers, reusable silicone freezer bags

Using stored dill in everyday meals

Whole sprigs: Fresh dill weed stored in a glass of water in the fridge or wrapped in a paper towel are great for most recipes that call for dill. You can add tough stems to broth like chicken stock, beef broth, or fish broth for flavor and added health benefits.

Chopped dill: This is excellent for a variety of dishes, everything from light salads like cucumber and tomato salad to roasted purple cabbage to potato medley. There are many different ways to include tender herbs in your meals and add unique flavor to each dish!

Frozen dill: It's no surprise that the texture of this delicate herb will differ after thawing. Therefore, frozen dill is best for adding to soups such as gluten-free chicken noodle soup, Lagman Uzbek soup, and fish soup.

Stored dill pairing suggestions

FAQs

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Learn how to chop fresh dill to maximize this cut herb in your cooking and elevate any meal easily! Learn how to cut dill in its entirety - from stems to feathery leaves. Say goodbye to food waste and unlock the full potential of dill in your cooking.

You may not have given much thought about how to chop fresh dill, but there is a right and a wrong way to do it.

All herbs, whether fresh or dried parsley, basil, or dill, have the unique ability to elevate any meal. And dill herb especially provides a subtle and aromatic touch to your culinary creations, adding a burst of freshness to your meals.

And while baby dill can easily be chopped without much forethought, mature dill needs more tender love and care.

In this post, I share how to chop fresh dill to maximize this cut herb in your cooking. Avoid food waste and use the entire plant, from stems to frond-like leaves to their full potential.

Looking for more simple hacks? Try this toaster oven bacon!

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Dill vs. dill weed

Dill and dill weed are often used interchangeably, but they mean the same dill plants. However, there is a slight distinction in their usage.

Dill is an aromatic herb with feathery green leaves and a fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet flavor. When someone refers to "dill," they generally talk about the entire dill plant, including its leaves, main stem, and even dill seeds.

The term "dill weed" refers explicitly to the feathery green leaves of the dill plant. It is the most commonly used part of the plant in cooking and is known for its delicate flavor and fragrance. It is a favorite herb among many home cooks.

Dill weed is typically used fresh, either as a garnish or as an ingredient in various dishes, such as salads, sauces, dips, and soups.

The best part about fragrant dill is that all parts can be used in cooking.

💭Make it Nutrient-Dense: Check your farmer's market for the best and freshest dill! Herbs locally and organically grown have more nutrients than conventional counterparts. 

Why you'll love this post

Cut for long-term use. If you've come across a bumper of fresh dill from your garden or farmer's market, you may want to preserve it for the best results to enjoy the flavors of fresh herb throughout the year.

Always have dill ready. When you have a bunch of dill cleaned, dried, and cut - you can easily incorporate it into your recipes, whether it's a last-minute garnish, salad dressing, or a refreshing dip.

Use the whole plant - nothing goes to waste! Utilize whole sprigs of dill, including the main branch and older leaves, minimizing waste and maximizing its potential. You can make the most of this versatile herb by learning how to cut the leaves and stems effectively.

Elevate any dish with fresh dill. When you know how to chop dill quickly, you can enhance any dish's flavors and visual appeal. Plus, you have total control over how finely or coarsely you want the dill cut.

💭Pro tip: The easiest way to add a pop of color and refreshing taste to any meal is by a light sprinkling of fresh dill.

Wash and dry dill

As with all herbs, washing them well removes dirt, dust, and other impurities.

Drying the dill well is important to prevent it from wilting quickly or becoming slimy.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your dill is clean and dry:

1. Wash the dill bunch under cool running water.
2. Shake off excess water, being careful not to handle the dill too roughly to prevent damaging the delicate leaves.
3. Pat dry with a paper towel, absorbing as much excess water as possible. You can also roll the towel around the dill and squeeze it lightly.
4. The best method to remove excess liquid is to run the dill in a salad spinner.
5. Air dry the dill on a clean towel, paper towel, or cooling rack to allow air circulation.

💭Pro tip: Individual dill plant is one of the easiest herbs to grow in an herb garden. The best time to harvest dill is when the flower heads have not developed on the top of the plants, exposing seed heads.

Separate dill weed from stems

The first step in efficiently cutting fresh dill is separating the dill weed (the feathery leaves) from the stems.

Follow these simple steps to separate the dill leaves from the dills stalks:

1. Lay the dill bunch with the stem closer to you and the dill leaves on the opposite side.
2. Grasp the top of the dill plant firmly with your non-dominant hand.
3. Starting from the top of the dill, strip the leaves downward with your dominant hand, brushing your fingers at the stem. As you move your hand down the stem, the leaves should easily separate from the stem.
4. Sort the leaves and stems separately.

How to cut dill weed

Now that you have cleaned and dried the dill and separated the leaves from the stems, it's time to cut the fresh dill.

How finely to chop fresh dill will vary depending on the specific recipe and your personal preference. Coarsely chopped dill is great as garnish, while fine dill is more flavorful.

Follow these simple steps to chop dill:

1. Gather the dill sprigs together, aligning the stems at the base, and hold the bundle firmly with your non-dominant hand.
2. Position a sharp knife perpendicular to the dill stems.
3. Begin chopping the dill into small pieces by making downward, rocking motions with the knife. Using smooth and steady movements, work your way across the dill stems.
4. As you chop, check for desired consistency and continue chopping if you want the dill finer.

How to cut dill stems

Don't be tempted to toss the dill stems! They are a great source of vitamins, and true to the heart of Prepare and Nourish, we desire to maximize all foods in their entirety!

While dill fronds are most commonly used in cooking, dill stems can still be utilized in various ways to reduce waste and add subtle herbaceous notes to your dishes.

How to chop fresh dill stems will depend entirely on what recipe to use them for. But for best flavor, keep dill stalks whole; therefore, they do not require a lot of chopping.

For example, you can leave the dill stems intact and save them for adding flavor to bone broth or dill pickles. I suggest cutting them to a size easy to handle and store in a small freezer-safe bag.

Helpful tools & links

Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you make this chop and store dill for later use. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store, but having a link helps you know what you're looking for.

• Tools: chef knife, cutting board, organic flour sacks, salad spinner
• Storage Supplies: glass snap containers, airtight plastic containers

Using chopped dill in everyday meals

Chopped dill can be a versatile and flavorful addition to various dishes. Add fresh leaves to salads like potato salad and cabbage and cucumber salad, a refreshing fish soup, or roasted vegetables like sheet pan pepper and sausage.

It's also a great way to add flavor to ranch dressing, dips, or marinades for a tangy kick. And it's always a welcomed herb in seafood dishes like this tuna potato salad. Let your creativity flow and experiment with different recipes to explore the full potential of freshly chopped dill in your everyday meals.

Chopped dill pairing suggestions

Storage and freezing instructions

To store: Place the chopped dill leaves in an air-tight container lined with a paper towel. Seal and place in the refrigerator for up to 8 days.

Storage containers: These glass snap containers are perfect for this purpose.

To freeze: For long-term storage, you can freeze chopped dill leaves in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. You can also freeze the dill stems similarly for future flavor additions to the broth and other recipes.

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Learn how much dried parsley to substitute for fresh parsley to ensure your recipes are flavorful and well-balanced. Plus, find out when to best use fresh parsley and when dried is needed. This unique herb has a different density and volume than other herbs; therefore, the conversion ratio is slightly different.

Fresh parsley is a fragrant herb used in various dishes. It adds a bright and fresh flavor to everything from soups to salads. It's an excellent garnish to red cabbage steaks and chicken potato bake and adds great flavor to the overall dish.

However, due to convenience or availability, you may need to reach for dried parsley instead of fresh.

In some cases, dried herbs have a stronger flavor; thus, they are a convenient option for recipes requiring longer cooking times. The good news is that there's an easy to determine how to make this simple switch.

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Is Dried Parsley the Same as Fresh Parsley?

Dried parsley is different from fresh parsley. While both come from the same plant, the flavor, texture, and nutritional content differ.

Fresh parsley has a bright, herbaceous flavor, while dried parsley has a more muted and concentrated flavor.

In terms of texture, fresh parsley is crisp and delicate, while dried parsley is brittle and crumbly.

Nutritionally, fresh and dried parsley are similar in vitamin and mineral content. (source) The most significant benefit of using dried parsley is that it has a longer shelf life. Plus, it is a convenient option for recipes that require longer cooking times.

💭Pro tip: Parsley is the most commonly used herb in culinary. It is widely used in many different cuisines around the world.

Fresh Parsley Substitute

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones? And what would make a good fresh parsley substitute?

Generally, it is okay to use dry herbs instead of fresh ones. However, it's essential to remember that the flavor and aroma of dried herbs are more concentrated than their fresh counterparts.

The same is true as it relates to the flavor of parsley. Plus, there can be a few different forms of parsley: fresh, dried, and even frozen. In most cases, they are interchangeable. Therefore, dried parsley makes a fantastic substitute for fresh, adding a robust taste to your dish.

Easy Formula for Most Herbs

The general rule of thumb for substituting dried herbs for fresh is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would use fresh herbs.

For example, you can use one teaspoon of dried equivalent for one tablespoon of fresh herbs. Note: there are three teaspoons in a tablespoon.

But this fresh-to-dried herb converter doesn't work perfectly with all types of herbs. Different herbs have different conversion ratios. And as you will quickly learn, fresh to dried parsley conversion is different.

So why do fresh-to-dried herb conversion ratios differ?

In short, the drying process affects the conversion ratio of fresh to dried herbs. Drying herbs removes the water content, which concentrates the flavor and aroma of the herb.

As a result, you would need a lesser quantity of dried herbs to produce the same flavor profile as fresh.

Plus, herbs have varying degrees of density and volume. Herbs that are lighter and more dense, such as thyme or rosemary, require less dried herbs to achieve the same flavor as fresh ones.

Conversely, larger volumes and less dense herbs, like fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro, require a 1:1 or 1:2 conversion ratio to achieve the right flavor.

To complicate things further, the amount used will also vary depending on the recipe and your personal preference. When it comes to herbs, measure with your heart and adjust as needed to achieve the desired flavor and aroma.

Fresh Parsley to Dried Parsley Conversion

Following the conversion ratio above, you may want to know how much dry parsley to substitute for fresh.

For example, how much dry parsley would you need for a ¼ cup of fresh?

If a recipe calls for a quarter cup of fresh parsley, you would substitute two tablespoons of dried parsley and achieve the same fresh flavor.

Another way to look at it is this: a quarter cup is four tablespoons of fresh parsley. Therefore, following the 2:1 ratio, you would need half of that amount or two tablespoons of the dried version.

Using this same ratio, you can substitute as little as a tablespoon of fresh parsley with 1.5 teaspoon of dried parsley.

When to Use Fresh Parsley

Use chopped parsley to add a bright and fresh flavor to a dish. It is particularly well-suited for salads such as avocado cabbage slaw and cucumber and tomato salad. It's also excellent in your favorite marinades and sauces.

The bright green color and delicate texture of fresh parsley make it an attractive garnish for many dishes. The pop of color enhances the overall presentation. You can see that in action in lazy cabbage rolls and crustless pizza. It also adds a pleasant peppery taste to Uzbek soup Shurpa.

It's also a great herb to use when cooking with fish, such as this nourishing fish soup, as it complements the delicate flavor of seafood.

Parsley is a versatile herb that has fresh but strong flavor. But for best results, add fresh parsley at the end of cooking or use it in fresh recipes.

💭Make it Nutrient-Dense: When budget allows, opt for organically grown parsley to avoid pesticides as soft herbs are more fragile, making them harder to clean.

When to Use Dried Parsley

On the other hand, you may want to use dried parsley when fresh is unavailable or when you need a longer shelf life for your herbs.

A jar of parsley flakes is a great addition to your spice cabinet. It quickly elevates a dish and is a convenient option to jazz up your favorite recipes.

Dried parsley is excellent in spice blends like ranch seasoning, rubs for meats like air fryer pork tenderloin, and various marinades, as it can add a subtle herby flavor to the mix. It's also a key ingredient in salad dressings like homemade ranch dressing.

Use dried parsley for slow-cooked dishes, such as chicken stew, hamburger vegetable soup, and casseroles like this chicken cabbage bake, as it can hold up to long cooking times without losing flavor.

💭Pro tip: There are numerous types of parsley, but curly parsley and flat-leaf or Italian parsley are the most common types found in your local grocery store. 

Fantastic parsley pairing suggestions:

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