Fresh dill is one of the easiest herbs to preserve, allowing you to enjoy its bright, tangy flavor long after the growing season ends.
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Whether you’re harvesting dill from your garden or bringing home a large bunch from the farmers market, drying it is a simple way to reduce waste and keep a ready supply on hand for soups, dips, dressings, and pickling recipes.
If you enjoy preserving herbs, you may also like my guides on How to Dry Basil, How to Dry Rosemary, and How to Dry Mint.
Why You’ll Love Drying Dill
- Preserves fresh garden herbs
- Easy to do with minimal equipment
- Great for seasoning recipes year-round
- Stores for up to a year
- Saves money on store-bought dried herbs
- Makes thoughtful homemade gifts
When to Harvest Dill
For the best flavor, harvest dill in the morning after the dew has dried but before the afternoon heat.
Choose healthy stems with bright green leaves. Harvest before the plant flowers if you want the strongest flavor in the leaves.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Fresh dill
- Kitchen twine or rubber bands
- Paper bag (optional)
- Baking sheet (for oven drying)
- Food dehydrator (optional)
- Airtight glass jars or spice jars
Method 1: Air Dry Dill
Air drying is one of the easiest ways to preserve dill and requires no special equipment.
Step 1
Rinse the dill under cool water and gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
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Allow it to air dry completely before bundling.
Step 2
Gather several stems into small bundles and secure them with kitchen twine or a rubber band.
Step 3
Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
If desired, place a paper bag over the herbs to catch any leaves that fall while drying.
Step 4
Allow the dill to dry for 1–2 weeks.
The leaves should crumble easily between your fingers when fully dry.
Method 2: Dry Dill in a Dehydrator
A dehydrator is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to dry herbs.
- Remove thick stems if desired.
- Arrange the dill in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
- Dry at 95–105°F for 2–4 hours, or until crisp.
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
Method 3: Dry Dill in the Oven
If you don’t have a dehydrator, your oven works well too.
- Preheat the oven to its lowest temperature (170°F or lower if possible).
- Spread dill in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Leave the oven door slightly cracked to allow moisture to escape.
- Dry for 1–3 hours, checking frequently.
How to Store Dried Dill
Once completely dry:
- Remove the leaves from the stems.
- Store whole leaves for the best flavor.
- Crush just before using.
- Place in airtight glass jars.
- Label with the date.
- Store in a cool, dark pantry.
Properly stored dried dill maintains its best flavor for about one year.
Tips for Success
- Harvest before flowering for the best flavor.
- Always dry herbs completely before storing.
- Keep dried herbs away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Store whole leaves instead of crushing them immediately.
- Label every jar with the harvest date.
Ways to Use Dried Dill
Dried dill adds fresh herbal flavor to countless recipes.
Try it in:
- Homemade ranch seasoning
- Potato salad
- Egg salad
- Tuna salad
- Chicken salad
- Cucumber salad
- Greek yogurt dip
- Tzatziki
- Cream sauces
- Roasted potatoes
- Seafood dishes
- Vegetable soups
- Pickling spice blends
- Bread dough
- Compound butter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dried dill as flavorful as fresh?
Dried dill has a more concentrated flavor than fresh dill, although it loses some of its bright, fresh taste during drying.
Can I dry dill flowers?
Yes. Dill flowers can be dried and used in pickling recipes or as decorative garnishes.
Can I dry dill seeds?
Absolutely. Allow the flower heads to mature until the seeds turn brown, then harvest and dry them for cooking or planting.
How long does dried dill last?
For the best flavor, use dried dill within one year, although it may remain safe to use longer if stored properly.
More Herb Preservation Guides
If you’re preserving herbs from your garden, don’t miss these helpful guides:
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