Tarragon: A Culinary and Medicinal Herb with a Rich History

Tarragon, known for its unique flavor and fragrant aroma, is a beloved herb in French cuisine and beyond. With its hint of licorice and subtle sweetness, tarragon adds depth to dishes and is a staple in classic recipes like béarnaise sauce and tarragon chicken. But tarragon isn’t just a culinary delight; it’s also known for its medicinal properties and historical significance.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything about tarragon—its history, varieties, culinary uses, health benefits, how to grow it, and tips for incorporating it into your cooking.

Table of Contents

What is Tarragon?

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb from the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It’s native to the temperate regions of Eurasia, particularly Russia and Central Asia, though it’s now cultivated worldwide. The herb’s slender leaves and delicate green appearance make it a beautiful addition to gardens, and its aromatic flavor makes it a cherished ingredient in kitchens around the globe.

The plant grows upright and can reach a height of up to 5 feet, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Tarragon is generally harvested in late spring and early summer when its flavor is most intense. There are three main types of tarragon—French, Russian, and Mexican—each with unique characteristics and uses.

Types of Tarragon

French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’)
- French tarragon is the most commonly used culinary variety and is prized for its refined, slightly sweet, anise-like flavor. Known for its smooth, delicate leaves, French tarragon is a staple in classic French cooking. It’s essential to note that French tarragon rarely produces viable seeds, so it’s propagated through cuttings or root division.
Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides)
- Russian tarragon is heartier and more robust, able to withstand harsher climates and poorer soil conditions. However, its flavor is milder and less pronounced than French tarragon, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Russian tarragon is often used as a substitute for French tarragon when the latter is unavailable, though it’s generally considered inferior for culinary purposes.
Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)
- Also known as Mexican marigold or Texas tarragon, this variety is not a true tarragon but has a similar anise-like flavor. It’s a member of the marigold family and is easier to grow in hot climates where French tarragon might struggle. Mexican tarragon has small, golden flowers and is commonly used in Mexican and Central American cooking.

A Brief History of Tarragon

Tarragon has a rich history that dates back centuries. Originally cultivated in Central Asia and Siberia, it was likely brought to Europe by Mongol invasions or traders along the Silk Road. By the Middle Ages, tarragon was widely used in Europe for medicinal purposes, believed to cure snake bites, ease digestive issues, and even act as an anesthetic. Its name is thought to derive from the Greek word drakon (meaning dragon), as it was associated with dragon-like serpents and believed to possess mystical properties.

In France, tarragon rose to prominence as a culinary herb, becoming one of the fines herbes—a group of herbs that form the foundation of classic French cooking. Today, it’s widely grown and used in kitchens worldwide, valued for its versatility and health benefits.

Culinary Uses of Tarragon

Tarragon’s subtle licorice or anise flavor makes it a unique and versatile addition to various dishes. Here are some of the most popular culinary uses for tarragon:

Herb Sauces: Tarragon is a key ingredient in béarnaise sauce, a classic French sauce made with clarified butter, egg yolks, vinegar, and shallots. It’s also used in sauce gribiche, a mayonnaise-like sauce often served with cold meats and fish.
Tarragon Chicken: This classic French dish features chicken cooked with tarragon, white wine, cream, and Dijon mustard. The herb enhances the sauce with its delicate aroma, complementing the richness of the chicken and cream.
Salad Dressings and Vinaigrettes: Fresh tarragon can elevate vinaigrettes, providing a sophisticated twist to salads. It pairs particularly well with vinegar, creating a refreshing dressing that adds complexity to green salads, potato salads, or coleslaw.
Egg Dishes: Tarragon pairs wonderfully with eggs, making it a perfect addition to omelets, quiches, and scrambled eggs. Its mild flavor adds a hint of elegance without overpowering the dish.
Fish and Seafood: Tarragon’s flavor profile complements fish and seafood beautifully, enhancing delicate flavors without masking them. Try adding tarragon to seafood dishes like lobster, shrimp, or white fish for a fresh and herbaceous touch.
Infused Vinegars and Oils: Tarragon can be steeped in vinegar or oil to create flavorful infusions. Tarragon vinegar, for example, is a popular ingredient in French cuisine and can be drizzled over salads, used in marinades, or mixed into sauces.
Soups and Stews: Tarragon’s warm, aromatic flavor works well in soups and stews, especially those with a creamy or tomato base. It’s often added to vegetable soups or cream-based soups to deepen the flavor profile.

Health Benefits of Tarragon

Tarragon isn’t just a culinary herb; it also boasts numerous health benefits. Its medicinal properties have been recognized since ancient times, and modern science has uncovered several ways in which tarragon may support health.

Rich in Antioxidants: Tarragon contains compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive Health: Tarragon has traditionally been used as a digestive aid. It may help stimulate appetite, reduce bloating, and relieve digestive discomfort. The herb is sometimes taken as a tea to aid digestion and alleviate stomach cramps.
Pain Relief: Tarragon has mild analgesic properties and has been used as a natural remedy for pain relief. In traditional medicine, it was often used to relieve toothaches and other minor aches and pains.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The essential oils in tarragon have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. This may be beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Promotes Sleep: Tarragon has been used as a mild sedative and sleep aid, particularly in traditional European and Middle Eastern medicine. Drinking tarragon tea before bed may promote relaxation and help with insomnia.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies have suggested that tarragon may have potential benefits for blood sugar control. Animal studies have shown that tarragon extract can help regulate blood glucose levels, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Antimicrobial Properties: Tarragon contains essential oils that have antimicrobial properties, which may help protect against certain bacteria and fungi. This may also contribute to the herb’s use in traditional medicine for treating minor infections.

How to Grow Tarragon

Tarragon is relatively easy to grow, making it a great addition to an herb garden. Here are some tips for growing this flavorful herb:

Choose the Right Variety: If you’re growing tarragon for culinary use, opt for French tarragon. Russian tarragon is less flavorful and may not offer the same culinary benefits.
Plant in Well-Drained Soil: Tarragon thrives in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.5. Good drainage is essential, as tarragon is prone to root rot in overly moist conditions.
Sunlight Requirements: Tarragon prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.
Watering: Water tarragon moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Harvesting: Harvest tarragon leaves as needed, ideally before the plant begins to flower in late summer. The leaves are most flavorful when picked in the morning.
Propagation: French tarragon doesn’t produce viable seeds, so it’s propagated through root division or cuttings. Divide plants every few years to keep them healthy and productive.

Tips for Cooking with Tarragon

Tarragon’s delicate flavor can elevate a wide variety of dishes. Here are some tips for cooking with this versatile herb:

Use Fresh Tarragon for Maximum Flavor: Fresh tarragon has a more vibrant flavor than dried, so opt for fresh whenever possible. Dried tarragon can be used as a substitute, but you may need to use slightly more to achieve the desired flavor.
Add Near the End of Cooking: Tarragon’s delicate flavor can dissipate with prolonged cooking, so add it toward the end of the cooking process to preserve its aroma and taste.
Balance with Other Herbs: Tarragon pairs well with other soft herbs, like chervil, parsley, and chives, as seen in the French fines herbes blend. Its licorice-like flavor also complements herbs like basil, dill, and thyme.
Experiment with Small Amounts: Tarragon’s flavor can be intense, especially if you’re new to it. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to find the balance that suits your taste.
Create Infusions: Tarragon vinegar and tarragon oil are easy to make and add a burst of flavor to salads, sauces, and marinades. Simply steep fresh tarragon in vinegar or oil for a few days, then strain and use.

Fun Facts about Tarragon

Symbol of Strength: In folklore, tarragon was associated with dragons and believed to give courage and strength, possibly due to its Latin name dracunculus, meaning “little dragon.”
Herb of Kings: Tarragon was a favorite herb of French royalty and is still considered a staple in French cuisine.
A Substitute for Salt: Tarragon’s robust flavor can be used as a salt substitute for those looking to reduce sodium intake.
Medicinal Past: Tarragon was traditionally used as a remedy for snake bites, toothaches, and digestive issues.

Conclusion: Embracing Tarragon in Your Kitchen and Garden

Tarragon is a versatile and flavorful herb that can enhance a wide variety of dishes, from sauces and dressings to chicken and seafood. With its rich history, numerous health benefits, and culinary value, tarragon is a worthwhile addition to any kitchen and garden. Whether you’re exploring classic French recipes, creating unique infusions, or simply enjoying the aromatic notes it adds to your meals, tarragon is a delightful herb that offers a wealth of flavors and benefits.

By learning how to grow, cook with, and appreciate tarragon, you can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your culinary creations and enjoy the many healthful qualities of this remarkable herb. So why not give tarragon a try and discover the wonderful world of flavors it can bring to your table?