French Tarragon

Spanish Tarragon

The French call French Tarragon, Herbe au Dragon. Indeed, the word Tarragon is thought to be a poorly pronounced French word Esdragon. The French got their Dragon monikers from the Latin species name for French Tarragon which is dracunculus. Roughly translated this means little dragon. And, while there is a lot of written speculation that the dragon part refers to some ancient use of this herb to cure bites and stings of all manner of creatures. More likely, it refers to the fire it leaves on your palate.

The Chef's best friend and a must for every Herb Garden, French Tarragon has spicy anise flavor that turns ordinary main dishes into masterpieces. Tarragon goes well with meat and vegetables and is a top choice in any hearty recipe. It is traditionally of the constituents of the herb blends  'Fines Herbes'. Herbes de Provence, and Bouquet Garni and can be used in a marinade for chicken.  Although the licorice taste in Tarragon's flavor is copied quite well in the plant Tagetes lucida (Spanish Tarragon), French Tarragon is spicier and works better as a choice for main dishes. Spanish Tarragon is sweeter and compliments rice or desert dishes. Recipes like Lemon Tarragon Sorbet can make use of either Tarragon, each producing a subtle taste difference.

2 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Tarragon
1 tablespoon minced fresh Lemon Verbena
In a small saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil over high heat; stir to dissolve the sugar. Chill. Add the lemon juice, tarragon and lemon Verbena. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions.
Reprinted with permission from A Celebration of Herbs.

Like all Artemisias, French Tarragon likes life on the dry side with plenty of sun. The soil should be well drained and watering should be thorough. Keep a good supply of fresh tips for cooking by cutting it back to the ground several times during the growing season. It should be divided every other year in late summer or early fall. It also makes a good choice for growing in a container.