What are the most common uses for tarragon?

Tarragon, or Artemisia dracunculus L., is a perennial herb that comes from the sunflower family. It’s widely used for flavoring, fragrance and medicinal purposes ( 1 ). It has a subtle taste and pairs well with dishes like fish, beef, chicken, asparagus, eggs and soups.

What can I do with fresh tarragon?

Fresh tarragon can be incorporated into salad dressings and sauces as well as chicken and potato salads. It can be snipped and tossed into a green salad or used as a garnish. Tarragon is also an ideal herb when making flavored vinegar.

What does tarragon taste like?

French tarragon has a pungent, licorice-like taste due to the presence of estragole, an organic compound that gives fennel, anise and tarragon their distinct flavors.

What flavors go with tarragon?

Tarragon pairs particularly well with acidic flavors like lemon and vinegar, and is commonly combined with vinegar to make a mixture that is useful in salad dressings and marinades. Although best known for its use in French cooking, tarragon is also used around the world in a variety of traditional dishes.

Can you eat tarragon leaves Raw?

Tarragon is likely safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food. If it is used medicinally for the short-term, it is also likely to be safe. However, long-term use may not be safe. Tarragon contains chemicals (estragole and methyl eugenol) that have demonstrated toxicity in mice.

How do you eat tarragon plant?

Its dried leaves and flowering tops are commonly included in stews, sauces, fish, chicken dishes and omelets to add an interesting pop of flavor. It’s also commonly found in seasoning blends. Fresh tarragon is best to use, and the herb gives off a sweet and powerful flavor similar to anise or licorice root.

How do you make tarragon tea?

How can you make tarragon tea? Just boil a tablespoon of fresh tarragon in eight to 10 ounces of water. Steep for five minutes and enjoy!

What spice can I use in place of tarragon?

The best fresh tarragon substitute? Fresh basil. Basil also has a vaguely anise / licorice flavor on the finish, and is bright green and herbaceous like tarragon. You can use it in a 1:1 substitution, just make sure to thinly slice the basil mimic the thin tarragon leaves.

What spice compliments tarragon?

Spice and Herb Pairing Guide for Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetable or Fruit	Pairs Well With
Carrots	Anise, Basil, Chervil, Chives, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Dill, Ginger, Marjoram, Mint, Parsley, Sage, Savory, Tarragon, Thyme
Cauliflower	Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cumin, Dill, Garlic, Marjoram, Parsley, Rosemary, Savory, Tarragon

Can you use tarragon and thyme together?

Thyme. Thyme has a sweet, nutty and lightly spicy flavour, making it great for marinades and most meat dishes. It goes well with these herbs: Basil, chives, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and tarragon.

Why is tarragon so expensive?

However, French varieties are hard to propagate and grow. French tarragon thrives in select regions of the world. Even upscale grocery stores won’t sell fresh tarragon all year round. For this reason, it’s more expensive than other herbs and spices.

Can you eat raw tarragon?

just like you would use any fresh herb. Tarragon does best when you use it raw, or add it at the end of cooking a recipe to retain its flavor; it isn’t meant for long cooking because it can become bitter.