You can still eat bolted dill! When dill bolts, it means that the plant is going to seed. The flavor of bolted dill may not be as strong or vibrant as fresh, young dill leaves, but it is still perfectly safe to consume. In fact, some people even enjoy the slightly different flavor that bolted dill can bring to dishes.
Bolting occurs when the dill plant senses that its life cycle is coming to an end. It sends up a tall flower stalk in an attempt to produce seeds for future generations. While this is a natural process for the plant, it does mean that new leaves will stop growing.
If you want to continue harvesting fresh dill leaves, it’s best to prevent the plant from bolting in the first place. Regularly harvesting the leaves before the plant has a chance to go to seed will help delay the bolting process. However, once the plant has bolted, there’s no turning back.
When the dill flowers start to fade and dry out, it’s time to harvest the seeds. Allow the flowers to remain on the plant until they have turned brown and crispy. Then, carefully snip off the flower heads and place them in a paper bag. Shake the bag gently to release the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place.
These harvested seeds can be used for culinary purposes, just like the fresh leaves. Dill seeds have a slightly different flavor profile compared to the leaves, with a stronger and more concentrated taste. They are commonly used in pickling, seasoning breads, and flavoring dishes like fish and potatoes.
If you don’t want dill to self-seed and spread throughout your garden, it’s important to prevent the seeds from dropping and germinating. To do this, simply snip off the dill flowers before they have a chance to mature and release their seeds. This will help you maintain control over where your dill plants grow.
While bolted dill may not have the same fresh and vibrant flavor as young leaves, it is still safe to eat. The seeds, in particular, can be harvested and used in various culinary applications. By understanding the process of bolting and taking appropriate actions, you can continue to enjoy dill in your garden and in your meals.
