How to Dry Dill: 5 Easy Ways

How to Dry Dill from the Garden

Drying fresh dill is a simple and effective way to preserve its flavor and aroma for future use. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dry dill using 5 methods.

Sometimes I receive dill in my box of organic veggies from a farm I order from. It’s not something I use often. The best way to make it last is to dry it.

It’s extremely easy.

If you want to learn more, read my guide on how to dry herbs, so you can preserve all of your fresh herbs.

In a nutshell, you take the dill, tie it with a string, hang it in a dry, cold room for a week, and voila you have dried dill.

Below I break down all of the methods you can use to dry your fresh dill.

How to Dry Fresh Dill

Step 1: Harvesting Dill for Preservation

The best time to harvest dill for drying is in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak.

Choose healthy dill plants and use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut the dill just above the base of the stem, leaving some stem attached to the leaves.

Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant to ensure it continues to grow.

Step 2: Cleaning

Gently shake or tap the harvested herbs to remove any dirt, insects, or debris.

Gently rinse the dill under cool running water to remove any dirt or insects.

Shake off excess water or use a clean kitchen towel to pat it dry.

It’s important that the dill is as dry as possible before drying it.

Step 3: Choose the Drying Method

There are several methods to choose from when drying dill. Some of the methods are easy and some require special equipment.

Four of the methods dry dill without a dehydrator.

Drying Dill by Hanging

This is the most traditional, easy, and cost-effective method. Bundle 4-6 stems together of dill with string or a rubber band, making a small bouquet, and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dry, and dark place.

Make sure the area is free from direct sunlight, as this can cause the dill to lose flavor and color.

The drying process can take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the humidity and airflow in your drying area. Be patient and allow the dill to dry completely.

How to Dry Dill in Paper Bag or Towel Method

Alternatively, you can place the dill bundles inside a paper bag with holes punched in it or lay them out on a clean, dry towel.

Keep them in the same dark, well-ventilated area. Check the dill regularly to ensure it’s drying evenly.

How to Dry Dill in the Oven

This a a quicker and cost-effective way if you don’t have a dehydrator. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 75°C). Place clean, dry dill on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Check the dill regularly, as they can dry within 1-4 hours.

How to Dry Dill in a Dehydrator

If you have a food dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying herbs.

Generally, you’ll set the temperature to around 95°F (35°C) and allow the dill to dry for several hours.

How to Dry Dill in a Freeze Dryer

This is the most expensive option but it really preserves the color and flavor of the dill.

Follow your freeze-dryer’s instructions. Arrange the dill on trays and begin the process, which can take several hours to days.

Ensure the dill is fully freeze-dried. When they are fully freeze-dried they will be brittle with no moisture left.

Freeze drying maintains herbs’ flavor, color, and aroma effectively, although it requires a large investment in equipment.

Step 4: Check for Dryness

To check if the dill is dry, try crumbling a leaf between your fingers. It should easily crumble into small pieces. If it feels moist or pliable, it needs more drying time.

Step 5: How to Store Dried Dill

Once the dill is fully dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers, glass jars, or vacuum-sealed bags.

Be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.

Step 6: Store in a Cool, Dark Place

To maintain the best flavor and potency, store your dried dill in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.

Properly dried and stored herbs can last for several months to a year or more, depending on the type and quality of the herbs.

Step 7: How to use Dried Dill

You can use dried dill in various recipes like soups, stews, salads, tzatziki sauce, roasted potatoes, and as a seasoning for fish (my salmon with dill recipe) or poultry.

Dried or fresh dill works great in my fermented pickle recipe.

Fresh Dill to Dried

If you need to substitute dried dill for fresh dill here’s the ratio: 1 teaspoon of dried dill is equal to 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.

Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh, so use them sparingly and adjust to taste.

DISCLOSURE: Not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader. Ditch the Wheat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I only endorse products that I believe in.