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French Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
This herb’s name - Tarragon - comes from the French ‘estragon’ for ‘dragon’
and the Latin ‘dracunculus’ means ‘little dragon’. All plants with ‘dragon’
in their names were considered to be the cure for venomous bites of any
creature. Nowadays, Tarragon is most often used by cooks. There are two
varieties of Tarragon (Russian and French) but only the French is considered
suitable for culinary use. Tarragon likes growing in a sunny or semi-sunny
spot. It enjoys rich, light and somewhat dry soil. It should be divided and
replanted - or completely replaced - about every third year, because it
begins to lessen in quality and strength. You can divide the plant in the
spring or take cuttings in the summer. Give it winter and wind protection -
with straw or similar mulch. It is said to be suitable for growing indoors.
To harvest French Tarragon leaves, pick a stem about halfway down, to allow
for strong, healthy growth of the plant. Or just pick several leaves at a
time, because the herb has a delicate but strong flavor and most dishes
don’t need much Tarragon for flavoring. The best ways to preserve the leaves
for wintertime use is to chop them up and freeze in baggies, only taking out
as much as you need at one time, or incorporate them into an herbal vinegar.
USES
Culinary French Tarragon is an essential ingredient in ‘fines herbes’ (along
with chervil and parsley). It can also be used to make vinegars, Bearnaise,
hollandaise and tartar sauces. Try the chopped leaf in avocado fillings,
mayonnaise for fish dishes, salad dressings, light soups, any tomato or egg
dish including omelettes and scrambled. Chop and mix into butter for an herb
butter suitable for vegetables, grilled fish, steaks and chops. Lay the
leaves on a roasting chicken or chop leaves into the stuffing. Add to
preserves, pickles and mustards.
Medicinal Leaf - The leaves are rich in iodine, mineral salts, vitamins A
and C. Make a tea to stimulate the appetite and to aid digestion. It can
also be used as a general tonic.
Root - Helps cure a toothache. Chew a little then hold against the tooth or
bite on the root piece with the painful tooth.
(some information obtained from "The Complete Book of Herbs“, by Leslie
Bremness, and from "Holistic Herbal" by David Hoffmann)
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