Tarragon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tarragon |
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A. dracunculus
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| Artemisia dracunculus |
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Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), also known as estragon, is a cool perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies!
Tarragon grows naturally across a huge part of the Northern Hemisphere. You can find it from eastern Europe all the way through central and eastern Asia, India, and even in western North America, reaching down to northern Mexico. This plant can grow quite tall, usually between 120 and 150 centimeters (about 4 to 5 feet), with thin, branched stems.
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What is Tarragon?
Tarragon is famous for its unique taste, which is often described as slightly sweet with hints of licorice or anise. It's a popular herb used in many different types of cooking around the world. The leaves are long, narrow, and a shiny green color.
Different Kinds of Tarragon
There are a few main types of tarragon:
- French Tarragon: This is the most popular type for cooking. It has a strong, sweet flavor and is often used in fancy French dishes. It doesn't usually produce seeds, so it's grown from cuttings.
- Russian Tarragon: This type is easier to grow from seeds and is more hardy. However, its flavor is much milder and sometimes a bit bitter compared to French tarragon. It's often used in salads or as a leafy green.
- Mexican Tarragon: Also known as "Mexican mint marigold," this plant has a similar flavor to French tarragon but is from a different plant family. It's often used in warmer climates where French tarragon doesn't grow as well.
How Tarragon is Used
Tarragon is a superstar in the kitchen! Its special flavor makes it a favorite for many chefs.
Cooking with Tarragon
- French Cuisine: Tarragon is a key ingredient in many classic French sauces, like Bearnaise sauce, which is often served with steak. It's also great with chicken, fish, and eggs.
- Flavoring Vinegar: You can put fresh tarragon sprigs into white wine vinegar to make a delicious herb-flavored vinegar. This is perfect for salad dressings.
- Herbal Blends: It's part of the famous French herb mix called "fines herbes," which also includes parsley, chives, and chervil. This blend is used to add fresh flavor to many dishes.
- Drinks: In some places, tarragon is even used to flavor soft drinks, giving them a unique, slightly sweet taste.
Health Benefits
Like many herbs, tarragon has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
- It contains antioxidants, which are good for your body.
- Some people believe it can help with digestion or improve sleep.
- However, it's mostly used for its amazing flavor in food!
Growing Tarragon
If you like gardening, tarragon can be a fun plant to grow!
Where it Grows Best
Tarragon likes sunny spots with well-drained soil. It doesn't like its roots to be too wet. French tarragon prefers cooler climates, while Russian and Mexican tarragon can handle more heat.
How to Plant It
- French Tarragon: Since it rarely produces seeds, you usually plant French tarragon using small pieces of the plant (called cuttings) or by dividing an existing plant's roots.
- Russian Tarragon: This type can be grown from seeds, making it a bit easier for beginners.
- Planting usually happens in the spring after the last frost.
Caring for Your Plant
- Watering: Water your tarragon regularly, especially when it's young, but don't overwater.
- Sunlight: Make sure it gets plenty of sunshine, at least 6 hours a day.
- Harvesting: You can start picking the leaves once the plant is established. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. You can use the leaves fresh or dry them for later.
History of Tarragon
Tarragon has a long and interesting history. Its name, "dracunculus," comes from a Latin word meaning "little dragon." Some people think this is because of its snake-like roots, or maybe because it was once believed to cure snake bites!
- Ancient Times: It was used by ancient Greeks and Romans, not just for food but also for its supposed medicinal properties.
- Middle Ages: Arab doctors used tarragon for various health issues. It was brought to Europe by the Crusaders.
- Modern Use: By the 16th century, tarragon was widely used in European cooking, especially in France, where it became a staple herb.
Today, tarragon continues to be a beloved herb, adding its unique flavor to dishes around the world!
Images for kids
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Dried tarragon leaves
See also
In Spanish: Estragón para niños
