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dill weed or dill seed for pickles

Dill weed’s aroma is strong but when cooked it becomes softer and great for soft dishes. In contrast, the aroma of dill seeds is enhanced by cooking and can sometimes feel too powerful if used in excess.

In terms of storage, dill seed being a dry food product can be stored for a very long time in a simple jar. The jar just needs to be dry. It can be used even after six months and it will still have its original taste. In contrast, dill weed cannot be stored for a very long time. In fact, it requires refrigeration to stay fresh. It can be stored in a freezer for up to two months but that will be it.

It is because of the different cooking times that dishes prepared with dill weed typically take less time than dishes prepared with dill seeds.

Cooking time

In terms of popularity, people like both somewhat equally. This is because they are used differently. People who like dill weed, like it because it is great for making salads, and it goes well with potatoes, cheese, or yogurt. In contrast, people who like dill seeds, like them because they are great for enhancing the taste of pickles and they go well with sausages, cabbage, and potatoes.

Several studies have revealed that dill can help in the management of diabetes.

Despite their different tastes, both dill weed and dill seed taste nicer when cooked.

There are many differences between dill seeds and dill weeds despite both coming from the same plant. The dill seeds are the seeds and the dill weed are the leaves. Below are their differences in terms of taste, usage, and storage.

Dill seed is not a good substitute for fresh dill weed because of the difference in flavor strength but it does depend on the recipe. The seed has a camphorous, slightly bitter flavor, and the weed has a delicate flavor. The differences are like night and day.

If you must substitute, see below:

Do you know how much dill seed is equivalent to one head of fresh dill?? I am going to make pickles, and fresh dill is not available. Thanks in advance for your help. – Judith Cartwright (8/22/01)


3 heads dill = 1 tablespoon dill seed
1/2 ounce dill seed = 1/2 cup fresh dill
3- to 5-inch sprig of fresh dill = 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill weed.