Oriental
Dill
Dill, an aromatic plant widely used in cooking Dill is a condiment plant with blue-green leaves whose appearance is very close to that of fennel. Dill is also adorned with small yellow flowers that sprout at the end of the season to form aromatic brown seeds. Generally, dill thrives in fairly dry soils and appreciates plenty of sun. On the other hand, it dreads overly strong winds, as the fragility of its stems makes it very brittle. This annual plant, about thirty centimeters tall, can be harvested as needed, preferably before it flowers. As such, it is highly prized by discerning gourmets.
Dill is a culinary spice that readily flavors dishes across the globe. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried to season all sorts of culinary preparations, notably salads, fish, meats, cold soups or certain sauces. Its seeds can also be used for culinary purposes, notably to flavor liqueurs or jams.
The therapeutic use of dill
While its culinary use is unquestionably the most widespread, dill is also renowned for its therapeutic virtues. Indeed, numerous benefits are attributed to it. Dill infusion is said to be very effective in stimulating the digestive system. In the past, it was also used to combat epilepsy, or to encourage milk production in nursing mothers. Some consumed it for its aphrodisiac virtues. Others still saw it as a way to stimulate their intellectual capacities. Today, its seeds are still used in infusion to stop hiccups, headaches or coughing in children. Dill was itself used in the Middle Ages to ward off curses. In that sense, it is almost a divine ingredient!... Enough to lend a sacred dimension to any fragrance that contains it!
The aromatic scent of dill
But what scent does dill actually give off, and how is it used in perfumery? While dill is grown all over the world, perfumers source it mainly from the United States or Europe. Its essence is obtained by steam distillation of its seeds, herbs, flowers and stems. In other words, every part of dill is used! Another distinctive feature: dill blends with absolutely every olfactory family. As a result, it can be used in all sorts of fragrant applications. Commonly, dill is most often paired with fougères, aromatic fragrances, spicy compositions or chypre essences. At once simple and complex, dill unfolds a very particular character in the compositions that contain it. It is both soft and slightly anisic, revealing a certain bitterness in its sillage.
Perfumes with the Dill note
Oriental