Dill Microgreens: The Tiny Superfood Packed with Flavor and Nutrition

Dill microgreens—the delicate, feathery shoots of Anethum graveolens—are a culinary and nutritional powerhouse. Harvested 10–21 days after sowing, these tender greens boast a milder, citrus-fennel aroma than mature dill, along with 4–40 times the nutrient concentration. Their soft texture and bright flavor make them a favorite among chefs, home cooks, and health enthusiasts alike.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

An 8.9-gram serving (~small handful) of dill microgreens contains just 4 calories yet delivers:

• Vitamin C: 150 mg per 100 g (triple that of oranges).
• Vitamin A: 13% of daily needs per serving.
• Antioxidants: Polyphenols, lutein, and ?-carotene that combat oxidative stress.
• Minerals: Calcium, iron, potassium, and selenium (especially with seed priming).

These nutrients support anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and blood-sugar-regulating functions.

Culinary Versatility

Dill microgreens add a fresh, pickle-like aroma without overpowering bitterness. Try them in:

• Nordic-style seafood dishes
• Potato salads and pickled vegetable medleys
• Gluten-free crackers enriched with dill’s antioxidant capacity
• Garnishing cocktails, especially gin-based drinks

Growing Your Own Dill Microgreens

1. Use Bouquet or Dakota varieties (~20g per 10×20-inch tray). No presoaking needed.
2. Plant in a peat/coir mix or hemp mat with pH 6–6.5.
3. Keep seeds under a blackout dome or weight for 4–5 days at 20–22°C with high humidity.
4. After germination, provide 12–16 hours of red/blue LED light (150–200 µmol m?² s?¹) to boost phenolic content.
5. Bottom-water daily; optionally use quarter-strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution for higher yields.
6. Harvest at 10–14 days for mild flavor or 17–20 days for stronger taste and increased phenolics.

Expected yield: ~113 g fresh weight per tray; about 1.25 kg per square meter indoors.

Storage and Handling

• Store at 2–4°C in breathable clamshells for up to 7 days.
• Chill immediately after harvest to preserve vitamin C and aroma.
• Avoid washing until use to limit microbial growth.

Why Grow Dill Microgreens?

Fast-growing with a 17-day cycle, dill microgreens yield over 4.6 kg monthly per square meter, retailing at $140+ with wholesale prices $30–40/kg. Their rarity and premium appeal suit specialty markets like cocktail bars and fine dining.

Fun Facts and Innovations

• Selenium seed priming enriches nutrient content without yield loss.
• LED light spectra tuning enhances phenolic content naturally.
• Functional food applications include antioxidant-rich gluten-free snacks.
• Indoor vertical farming can double yields compared to greenhouse production.

? Ready to grow your own flavorful superfood? Support Lonestar Legacy Greens (LLG) for expert guides, automation blueprints, and insider tips. Start your dill microgreen journey today!