Yes, dill is considered a spice.
Dill: Herb and Spice
Dill, Anethum graveolens, is a versatile plant offering both culinary herb and spice. Its feathery leaves are used as a fresh herb, adding a bright, slightly citrusy flavor to dishes. However, the seeds of the dill plant are also used as a spice, providing a more concentrated, slightly warmer flavor profile. This dual nature sets it apart from some plants that are solely herbs or spices.
Dill Seeds as a Spice
The small, oblong dill seeds are the key component of dill as a spice. They offer a distinct flavor that differs slightly from the fresh leaves, possessing a more intense and slightly warmer, earthier note. Dill seeds are commonly used in:
- Pickles
- Bread
- Soups
- Sausages
- Many other savory dishes
The reference material explicitly states: "It is one of the small group of plants that produces both an herb from the feathery leaves, and a spice from the seeds." This confirms its dual nature as both a herb and a spice.
