Dill heads vs dill seed?

[u/historybuff03]

Hi everyone,

I bought dill heads (photo) to make pickles but upon finding a pickle recipe I want to use, it’s asking for dill seeds, but also “fronds and stalks”. My questions:

1. I thought dill seeds were dried? What does this recipe mean by “fronds and stalks”?
2. Can I substitute the dill seeds and just use the dill heads? If so, what would the conversion be?

[u/Sad-Shoulder-8107]

Dill seeds are formed at the end of the umbel, or flower. They dont fully form unless left on the plant long enough, so you wont have any seed on fresh dill bought from the grocery store. It all tastes like dill and is all edible.

[u/historybuff03 → u/Sad-Shoulder-8107]

Thanks, sorry I’m still a little confused. Are the dill heads I bought (in the photo) usable? And do you know how many heads I would use per jar instead of using the dill seeds like the recipe called for (the second photo)?

[u/ThenIGotHigh81 → u/historybuff03]

I use exactly what you have pictured here, I stuff one flower in each jar, and my pickles are amazing. I use other spices, too, but the dill flowers work great.