Estragon

What is tarragon?

Tarragon is an aromatic plant mainly cultivated in the Mediterranean basin, which offers an extremely favorable climate for its development. Used for a long time for therapeutic purposes, it was then favored by the Indians whose emperor consumed it in a drink with fennel. It is only in the Middle Ages that tarragon arrives in Europe and that one discovers its perfumed savours. Today it has become an indispensable aromatic plant that many people grow in their gardens. Tarragon is a plant named Armetisia dracunculus or dragon herb. We consume the dried leaves that we can integrate into various hot or cold preparations. However, hot, tarragon will develop all its flavors to give another dimension to your dishes.

What is the flavor of tarragon?

Between anise and pepper, tarragon offers very fragrant flavors. Its taste is inimitable and brings a real plus to your cooking.

The harvest of tarragon

Tarragon is harvested from May to October, depending on the region. It has large stems covered with leaves. If you grow this aromatic plant yourself, harvest the leaves as you need them. On tarragon farms, the leaves are harvested and then dried and broken into small pieces. This way, you can keep them longer.

How to use tarragon?

Tarragon can be used in many ways. It is appreciated for its ability to accompany a wide variety of dishes and to make extraordinary sauces, Bearnaise being a perfect example.

Our recipe ideas with tarragon

Eggs casserole with asparagus and tarragon

For our starter of the day, I propose you some eggs cocotte which go perfectly with tarragon. Scrape the asparagus and cook them in boiling water for about 7 minutes after they start to boil. Drain them, reserve the heads and cut the stalks into slices that you will place in a ramekin with a mixture of cream and parmesan previously seasoned with salt, pepper and tarragon leaves. Place the asparagus tips on the sides and break an egg in the middle. Cook in a bain-marie in a hot oven for 7 to 8 minutes.

Cod with tarragon sauce

Chicken is a great classic, so I suggest you prepare a fish to enjoy your tarragon leaves. Cook your cod in boiling water with salt. At the same time, prepare a sauce made of cream, butter, finely chopped shallots, lemon and tarragon. Accompany your fish with tarragon with potatoes and broccoli, and you have a meal full of flavor.

Carpaccio of strawberries with tarragon

You've heard of the strawberry-basil combination, so here's a new one. Cut your strawberries into strips and arrange them in a flower on a plate. Make a syrup by mixing sugar and water in a saucepan until you get a syrupy texture. Grate some Tonka beans (not too much as the taste is quite strong). Add a little Timut pepper and place some tarragon leaves. The freshness of this aromatic plant and its aniseed flavors will give another dimension to your strawberries.

The health benefits of tarragon

Tarragon has long been consumed for its medicinal properties, and is still used today in many countries. For women, the consumption of tarragon is interesting, especially if they have irregular and not very abundant periods. Indeed, tarragon helps to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area. On the other hand, this plant does not fight against the premenstrual pains. Tarragon is rich in vitamin K and minerals for a natural contribution promoting form and well-being. Rich in antioxidants, this aromatic plant fights against the ageing of the cells and the cardiovascular diseases. According to a Japanese study, tarragon is rich in histamine which helps fight against allergies. In some countries, it is even used as a complement to treatments against diabetes.

The conservation of tarragon

It is advisable to keep tarragon away from light and humidity.