Dill Seeds

$12.00 USD

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For bakers who find the dominant licorice note of caraway a little too overbearing, whole dill seeds offer a softer, sun-drenched alternative. Added early to hearty rye doughs or slow-simmering soups, they release a clean, herbaceous, and warm aroma that grounds a dish with a quiet, comforting backbone. This is the classic baking secret of Nordic kitchens, where the seeds are preferred over the delicate weed to bring structured flavor to dense barley and sourdough loaves.

The whole seed is its own protective capsule. The essential oils that carry the characteristic warm flavor stay locked inside the seed coat, which is why whole seeds hold their potency far longer than ground. Lightly crushing the seeds with a mortar and pestle before cooking bruises the seed coat and releases the volatile oils. Toast them dry in a warm skillet for under a minute to make them brittle and sweet, then fold them into bread doughs or sprinkle them into savory pickling vinegars.

Our spices are packed fresh in Portland, bringing the true character of the harvest straight to your pantry. Whole dill seeds carry a rich history in early American customs, where they were blended with fennel and caraway to create "Meeting Seeds" for children to chew during long, quiet gatherings, valued for their soothing, warming flavor.

Single ingredient: dill seeds. No salt, no sugar, no preservatives. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Common Questions

What is the difference between dill seed and dill weed?

Though they come from the same plant, they behave entirely differently in the kitchen. Dill weed consists of the delicate, feathery green fronds, offering a sweet, grassy, and citrusy flavor ideal for cold dressings. Dill seed is the mature, flat fruit, delivering a bold, pungent, and slightly bitter profile that holds up under high-heat baking and long simmering.

Can I substitute dill seeds for caraway seeds in baking?

Yes. Dill seeds belong to the same botanical family and provide a similar warm, savory depth. They are a popular substitute in rye breads, cabbage dishes, and sauerkraut for cooks who want a milder, less sweet licorice note than caraway.

How do I prepare whole dill seeds for bread dough?

Whole seeds often feel hard or create a mottled appearance in light-colored artisan breads. To prevent this, lightly crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle and sift them into your flour. This distributes the warm flavor evenly through the crumb without altering the loaf's texture or appearance.

How do I brew dill seed tea?

Lightly crush one teaspoon of whole seeds to release the oils, then steep them in hot water for five minutes. This yields a soothing, earthy, and warm beverage with a comforting, mild flavor. Avoid boiling the seeds directly, as excess heat extracts bitter, astringent compounds.

Is this pure dill seed?

Yes. One ingredient, whole dill seeds, with nothing else added.

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Dill Seeds

$12.00