Dill vs. French Dill: A Spicy Tale of Two Herbs You Need to Know!

Hey there, flavor explorers and kitchen alchemists! If you've ever wandered down the spice aisle in a grocery store or perused a fancy herb garden online, chances are you've come across both dill and its mysterious cousin, French dill. Are they the same? Can you swap them in your grandma’s famous pickling recipe? And why does one cost twice as much as the other?

If these questions have left you scratching your head (or stirring your soup with confusion), then this is the article for you. We're diving into the world of dill French, comparing it side by side with regular dill, exploring their flavors, uses, and which one deserves a permanent spot on your spice rack.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Dill and French Dill
• What's the Difference Between Dill and French Dill?
• Flavor Profiles: What Does Each Taste Like?
• How to Use Dill and French Dill in Cooking
• Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Dill for You
• Can You Grow French Dill at Home?
• Storage Tips: Keep Your Dill Fresh Longer
• Conclusion: Dill or French Dill – Which One Wins?

A Primer on Dill and French Dill

Let’s start with the basics. Dill is an aromatic herb known for its feathery leaves and distinctive tangy flavor. It’s been used for centuries in European, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines, especially in pickling and fish dishes. But when someone mentions French dill, they’re usually referring to a specific cultivar—Anethum graveolens ‘Mammoth’—which has some key differences in size, aroma, and culinary application.

Dill vs. French Dill: What Sets Them Apart?

While both types belong to the same species, they differ in several important ways:

Feature	Regular Dill	French Dill
Leaf Shape	Fine, thread-like	Broad, flat, fern-like
Growth Habit	Tall, delicate stems	Sturdier, bushier growth
Flavor Intensity	Mild, fresh, citrusy	Stronger, more pungent
Best For	Pickling, sauces, fish	Salads, garnishes, soups
Harvest Time	Earlier season	Late spring to early summer

Flavor Breakdown: Which One Tastes Better?

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: flavor. Both herbs bring something special to the table, but depending on your dish, one might outshine the other.

• Regular Dill: Known for its bright, grassy notes with hints of lemon and anise. Perfect for softening the brininess in pickles and adding freshness to creamy dips like tzatziki.
• French Dill: Offers a bolder, earthier profile that stands up better to heartier dishes like stews and roasted vegetables. Its stronger aroma makes it ideal for stuffing mixtures and hearty seafood dishes.

Practical Uses in the Kitchen

Here’s where things get really interesting. Let’s talk about how to best use each type in your everyday cooking.

When to Use Regular Dill

• In pickling recipes (especially cucumbers and beets)
• With smoked salmon or trout
• In yogurt-based sauces or dressings
• As a last-minute addition to potato salad or egg salad

When to Reach for French Dill

• When making herb butter for grilled fish
• In savory bread or biscuit dough
• To flavor compound butters or meat marinades
• As a vibrant garnish for creamy soups or chowders

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Dill for Your Needs

Now that you know what sets them apart, let’s break down how to shop smart for dill—whether fresh, dried, or in seed form.

Fresh Dill (Regular & French): What to Look For

• Green, not yellowing or wilted
• Leaves should feel crisp, not slimy
• Avoid bunches with flowering heads unless you’re after seeds

Dried Dill: Pros and Cons

• Lasts longer than fresh
• More intense flavor (use sparingly)
• Best for long-cooked dishes like stews or rice pilaf

Seeds (Dill Weed Seeds): When to Use

• Main ingredient in pickling brines
• Add depth to spice blends like za’atar or garam masala
• Use whole or crushed depending on desired intensity

Top Products to Try

Product Name	Features	Advantages	Best For	Occasions
Nature’s Garden Organic Dill Leaves	Organic, air-dried, no additives	Retains color and aroma well	Cooking and garnishing	Everyday home cooking
Spice Mountain Dill Seeds	Whole, non-irradiated seeds	Potent flavor, great shelf life	Pickling and baking	Batch canning and holiday gifts
Herb Farm Fresh Frozen Dill	Flash-frozen to lock in flavor	No waste, ready-to-use	Quick meals and sauces	Busy weeknight dinners

Want to Grow Your Own? Tips for Growing French Dill

French dill isn’t just for chefs—it’s also a joy for gardeners! Here’s how to grow it successfully:

• Plant in full sun, well-draining soil
• Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Harvest leaves once the plant reaches 8–10 inches tall
• Save seeds for next year’s planting or for pickling

Storage Secrets: Keep That Dill Fresh

Whether you bought it fresh or grew it yourself, keeping dill fresh can be tricky. Here’s how to extend its shelf life:

• Wrap fresh dill in a damp paper towel and store in a sealed bag in the fridge — lasts up to a week
• Freeze chopped dill in ice cube trays with olive oil or water — keeps for months
• Dry dill by hanging bunches upside down in a warm, airy space
• Store dried dill in an airtight container away from light and moisture

Final Verdict: Dill or French Dill – Who Wins?

At the end of the day, neither herb is “better” than the other—it all comes down to your personal taste and the dish you’re preparing. Regular dill brings a soft, aromatic touch perfect for subtle applications, while French dill offers a punchier presence that can stand up to bold flavors and textures.

So go ahead—experiment with both! Maybe your next big culinary hit will come from that little jar of French dill hiding in the back of your pantry.

Happy cooking, spice lovers! 🌿