When in doubt (if the tarragon you are buying is not labeled), crush a leaf between your fingers. Russian tarragon smells like sweet grass, with little-to-no liquorice/anise smell. French tarragon will smell distinctly like anise.
How do I identify a tarragon plant?
Tarragon is a perennial herb with long, light green leaves and tiny greenish or yellowish white flowers. Here’s how to grow tarragon in your herb garden!
Does tarragon spread like mint?
Like mint, tarragon spreads by underground runners, but is much less vigorous than mint and unlikely to be a problem. Growing it in a pot in a sunny position will prevent it from running, as well as providing good growing conditions.
What is the difference between tarragon and French tarragon?
French leaves are smoother, glossier, darker and more pungent and aromatic than those of the Russian plants. The English word tarragon is a corruption of the French word estragon, or little dragon , derived from the Arabic tarkhun.
Why does tarragon smell like licorice?
The pungent, bittersweet flavor of tarragon is often compared to licorice, anise, and fennel, thanks to the presence of methyl chavicol, a naturally occurring compound found in many plants and trees with a distinct licorice-like taste and fragrance.
Does tarragon smell like rosemary?
Tarragon has a more subtle flavor than many other herbs, including rosemary. Still, it has a lot in common with rosemary, with a similar level of earthiness. Tarragon has a subtle aniseed flavor and smell.
What are the 3 varieties of tarragon?
The herb is characterized by its bright green, thin, glossy leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers. There are three varieties of Tarragon: Siberian or Russian Tarragon, Mexican Tarragon and French Tarragon.
Should I cut back tarragon?
Prune. In late summer, when the weather gets hot, tarragon will bolt, meaning it will shoot up stalks of flowers and the entire plant will start to taste bitter. Prevent bolting by pruning flowers off the plant before they bloom.
Should I cut back tarragon for the winter?
Pinch off any flowers for a constant supply of leaves. Plants die back to ground in winter. If you live in a cold area or have an exposed garden, protect plants with horticultural fleece.
Does tarragon grow back each year?
Although the leaves are at their best fresh, they can also be dried or frozen to enjoy after the growing season ends. An herbaceous perennial, plants go dormant in winter but are among the earliest to reappear, sending up new shoots in late winter to early spring.
Does tarragon spread in the garden?
Well-behaved in the garden, French tarragon does not spread underground like other herbs, nor will it reseed. In fact, it rarely flowers and never produces seeds. That means that new plants must be produced from rooted cuttings in order to have the classic tarragon flavor.
Is tarragon an invasive species?
And be forewarned: Russian tarragon can become invasive. Now that you’ve discovered tarragon’s dirty little secret, you’ll be able to confidently choose a tarragon plant for your own herb garden.
What is tarragon used for in medicine?
Tarragon is used for indigestion (dyspepsia), poor appetite, nausea and vomiting after surgery, toothache, sleep problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In foods and beverages, tarragon is used as a culinary herb.
What is another name for tarragon?
estragon
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), also known as estragon, is a species of perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It is widespread in the wild across much of Eurasia and North America, and is cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Can you eat tarragon flowers?
TARRAGON TEXAS
Small yellow flowers with flat petals that have a licorice flavour. Unlike the French and Russian tarragon, the flowers of this variety are edible and add a great little surprise in a salad.
Is dried tarragon as good as fresh?
Dried tarragon is indeed inferior to the fresh one in terms of flavor. At the same time, it is much better at keeping its taste in harsh conditions. That means dried tarragon will taste the same even after you’ve stored it for months or cooked it slowly for hours.
Is tarragon a thyme?
Thyme tastes quite similar to tarragon, although it won’t give you the same bitter finish. They both have a sweet anise flavor and minty aroma, except tarragon is a bit milder.
Do basil and tarragon go together?
Basil. Herbs and Spices: Pairs really well with thyme, cardamom, anise seed, rosemary, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, sage, corander, anise, ginger, cinnamon, and tarragon.
What herb is similar to tarragon?
Best substitutes for tarragon
- Fresh basil (for fresh tarragon) The best fresh tarragon substitute?
- Fennel fronds (for fresh tarragon) The best fresh tarragon substitute?
- Dill (for fresh or dried tarragon)
- Dried oregano or marjoram (for dried tarragon)
Is tarragon safe for dogs?
As mentioned, tarragon is listed by the ASPCA as being poisonous for dogs, and that includes both fresh tarragon and dried tarragon. This is due to the presence of certain essential oils in tarragon. Ingesting these oils could lead to common symptoms such as vomiting, salivating a lot and diarrhea.
Is tarragon easy to grow?
Tarragon is native to mild European regions. It’s hardy and easy to grow in a sunny or partially shaded spot in well-drained soil. It thrives in spring temperatures and doesn’t do well in overly hot climates.