Herbs and Spices Dill to Fenugreek
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Also know as: Dill seed, Dill weed, Green dill
Description
An annual plant growing up to 1m. It has fern-like deep green leaves and umbels of lacy yellow flowers. It is like fennel but smaller in appearance. It has an aromatic yet mild flavour similar to caraway and the seeds are sharper and slightly bitter.
Native to Mediterranean regions and southern Russia. It is mentioned in the Bible, old Egyptian texts, Greek and Roman literature. The name is derived from the Norse word ‘dilla’ meaning to lull.
Uses
Dill herb is used as a garnish for salads and as a flavour in casseroles and in particular with fish dishes and sauces. Dill seeds are used in pickles, including Dill Pickles (pickled cucumber) cheese dishes, salad dressings, vegetables and potato salads. Dill also has medicinal values and was used for ailments such as flatulence and colic. It has also been reported that it was considered as a charm against witchcraft back in the middle ages.
Elderflower
Sambucus Nigra
Description
A common European tree often found growing wild in hedgerows, in English folklore the elder tree is a favourite form that witches to take, if the branches were cut then the witch would bleed. It's said that a death in the family would follow the burning of an elder tree, and gypsy folklore warns of bad luck to use its wood is as kindling.
Uses
Commonly used as a flavouring for cordials and for wine making.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Also known as: Fennel bulb, Fennel leaves, Fennel seed, Fennel stems
Description
Grows to a height of 1.2m with feathery, finely divided leaves, with golden flowers in autumn. The seeds are slightly oval, up to 1cm long and greenish-yellow-brown. The flavour is of liquorice, sweet with a bitter after-taste.
Native to Northern Europe and Asia minor. It was a symbol of success in ancient Greece where it was called 'marathon'. Anglo-Saxon herbalists used it to help digestive complaints.
Uses
The seeds can be used in or on breads and cakes. As a traditional accompaniment to fish or added to salads.
Fenugreek
Trigonells foenumgraecum
Also known as: Bird's foot, Cow's horn, Greek birdseed, Kastoori methi
Description
Growing to around 75cm, a small annual herb of the pea family. It has light green leaves with white-yellow flowers. The seeds are small and furrowed, which when ground have a sweetness but with a spicy bitter after-taste.
Native to western Asia and south eastern Europe. Found in ancient Egyptian tombs, Charlemagne is said to have cultivated it in Europe in 180AD.
Uses
Can be used as a sprouting seed, like alfalfa. Usually used as crushed or powdered seeds added to soups, stews, chutneys and curries. Added to salad dressings, to flavour cauliflower or green beans.
Fines Herbes
To make this classic herb mixture combine equal parts of chopped;
Chervil
Tarragon
Chives
Parsley
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