Did You Know?
French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) cannot be grown from seed — it can only be propagated through cuttings, making it a carefully maintained cultivar.
Overview
Central Asia · summer · herbs
Tarragon is a subtle, anise-flavored herb with long, narrow leaves essential to French cuisine, used in béarnaise sauce, chicken dishes, and as one of the fines herbes.
Central Asia
Origin
summer
Season
Easy
Difficulty
herbs
Category
Flavor Profile
Aniseslightly licoricedelicate
Storage Tips
Refrigerate fresh tarragon wrapped in damp paper towel for up to 2 weeks; Russian tarragon can be dried, French cannot.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Tarragon
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Use fresh French tarragon (never dried — it has no flavor when dried); add at the end of cooking; perfect with chicken, eggs, and cream sauces.
Best Pairings
chickeneggcreammustardshallotlemon
Substitutes
Chervil (closest), fennel fronds, or dill (for anise notes)
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Tarragon
Nutrition Highlights
calories
295 kcal per 100g (dried)
key_nutrients
Vitamin C, iron, calcium, estragole, antioxidants
Quick Facts
Categoryherbs
OriginCentral Asia
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Contains estragole with antifungal properties; used for toothaches (mildly anesthetic) and digestive issues; rich in antioxidants.
Tarragon Photos
3 photos showcasing Tarragon in its many forms
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Tarragon
herbs
OriginCentral Asia
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Aniseslightly licoricedelicate
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Pairs Well With
chickeneggcreammustardshallotlemon
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