Tarragon the Little Dragon
Tarragon has a somewhat bittersweet flavor to it, almost resembling anise with that hint of licorice flavor to it. Tarragon plants do not have a long history behind them like most of the other herbs as it was not brought into the United States until the 19th century. It does have some mention about being used in England much before that time though. Traditionally, uses for Tarragon is to flavor such things as vinegar, relishes, pickles, mustard, and other various sauces.
The word Tarragon is derived from the French word which means "little dragon." There are two beliefs about how this nickname came about; one is because back in early times it was thought that Tarragon had the ability to cure venomous snake bites. Other thought it got this name because of the distinct roots that the Tarragon plant has that quite clearly resemble that of a serpent.
However, sometime as early as the 13th century the uses for Tarragon became known for seasoning vegetables, inducing sleep, and as a breath freshener. Not until the 16th century did the uses for Tarragon become more widely known. The Tarragon that is sold in the US today is not true Tarragon, but rather Russian Tarragon, which is not the same. True Tarragon will be called French Tarragon, and if you want to be sure that is what you are getting, it is best to grow your own Tarragon plants.
It is not recommended to use dried Tarragon because all of the active oils have been dried out. It is best to use fresh Tarragon which needs to be used rather sparingly because of its pungent taste. If you have grown the Tarragon plants yourself and have harvested them, put them in a Ziploc bag and stick them in the freezer. When it is time to use the Tarragon, there is no need to defrost it, but remember that heat intensifies the flavor of Tarragon. If you have ever had Béarnaise Sauce, you should have recognized that Tarragon is the main ingredient in it.
Tarragon is used when preparing many sauces. In a pinch it has been said that a substitute could be chervil, a dash of fennel seed, or anise, but the flavor will not be the same.
Many have claimed that the uses for Tarragon include the ability to induce an appetite, and the root of Tarragon was once used to cure toothaches. It is linked to medicinal uses for digestive aid and also for the prevention of heart disease. It can be used to induce menstruation and can be used as a safe substitute for people with high blood pressure. Further medicinal purposes and uses for Tarragon include remedies for hyperactivity depression, and as an anti bacterial aid for cuts and abrasions.
The information in this article is for information only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, nor should it be used in any way for medical advice. Always consult the appropriate medical professional if you have a medical condition.
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