Fresh dill can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks after harvesting, but it usually loses some of its aroma very quickly. Freezing is a good storage method for storing the dill tips and herbs.

Freezing dill versus other storage methods

The brown dill seeds do not need to be frozen, they are obtained by drying the ripe dill flower umbels and stored in jars or paper bags, well ventilated. Dill tips and dill herb, on the other hand, unfortunately lose a lot of their original aroma when they dry. Therefore, it is better to keep the dill plant parts frozen for later use in the kitchen. Sometimes dill tips are also finely chopped and processed with salt into a seasoning mixture that can be stored. However, even with this method, the preservation of the natural dill aroma and the storage period are rather limited.

Harvest the dill properly and process it fresh for storage

If you want to harvest dill tips for storage, you should harvest them before the dill blooms. From the time of flowering, the otherwise rather filigree shoot tips of the dill plant can become rather hard. For fresh processing as a spice and also for freezing, it is important that the dill tips and the dill herb are cut as freshly as possible. Saving a visibly withering amount of chopped dill from the compost heap by freezing it usually makes no sense aromatically. Preparing clean dill for freezing doesn't necessarily require washing. However, if you want to remove dust or other dirt from it, you can rinse it off with cold water and then gently pat it dry with kitchen towels.

Freeze whole or chopped dill for various uses

Ideally, think about what you want to use the dill for later before you freeze it. For pickling salmon, dill tips are best frozen whole. You can also carefully chop the dill herb and dill tips or freeze them with a little water in an ice cube mold if you want to use the dill as a spice for the following dishes:

  • for flavoring soups
  • as a spice in stews
  • for marinades with meat or fish
  • for delicious herb quark

An easy way to chop up dill weed is to freeze a few small amounts in a freezer bag. Then take the bag out of the freezer as quickly as possible so that the dill cannot thaw. Then, using your hands, crush and break the frozen dill through the bag so it breaks into small pieces.

tips and tricks

Even if you like the smell and taste of dill, you should always pack this spice well in the freezer. Otherwise, over time, even frozen dill can unintentionally release its aroma to other foods stored in the freezer.

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