There is a beautiful and beneficial plant known as tarragon that grows wonderful in your greenhouse. What could be these magical tarragon properties? In this article, you will learn more about this fantastic herb. You will also find out why it is loved both in medicine and in the kitchen.
Not unless you are a plant specialist, botanists they are known to be, and you find yourself in a space with several plants all over, it is incredibly challenging to identify what these plants are. Well, not to mention that you do not usually talk about plants each day unless it is part of your field of study.
Tarragon in a nutshell
Native in Europe, Scandinavia, and regions in North America, tarragon is a plant characterized by having leaves that are narrow, slightly floppy, and tapering leaves growing from a long and slender stem. If you happen to spot plants that look like this, they should probably be tarragons.
Why should you talk about tarragon? They are unlike any other plant. These herbs offer the health benefits, beautiful to cultivate in the greenhouse, and perfect ingredients for various recipes in the kitchen.
Uses of tarragon
Before heading over to what it does in the garden and the kitchen, it is helpful to learn about its varied uses. The tarragon is an herb, a kitchen ingredient, a component in makeup and cosmetics, an essential oil, and a health supplement.
People suffering from vomiting and nausea after a surgical operation may apply tarragon mixed with ginger and cardamom on their neck after the surgery to relieve these symptoms. However, health specialists are saying the health effects may vary based on the medication that you take. If you are taking pain relievers, then these impacts may differ.
The plant is also best to treat and ease digestion problems, menstrual issues, toothaches, water retention, and other medical issues.
Various types of tarragon
There are three types of tarragon, and each has its unique character and tastes.
French tarragon
Temperate regions have an abundance of French tarragon and are mostly utilized for cooking. Tarragons of this kind can grow up to 24 inches high with two-inch-long narrow leaves. They have fresh green hues, more durable colors than most varieties.
When it comes to their flowers, these are sterile, tiny, and in pale green, cultivated from root division, rather than from seeds.
Russian tarragon
The Russian tarragon is approximate to the French varieties in terms of the characteristics. The difference begins with its span, reaching up to 35 inches high. Plants of this kind may propagate quicker in these regions.
The leaves are longer, narrower, and coarser, compared with the French type.
Mexican tarragon
You read this right. There is also what is known to be Mexican tarragon or otherwise called the Mexican mint marigold. If there is a third Reich among tarragon herbs, it has to be this type.
Mexican varieties can grow up to 35 inches high, and this variety may be cultivated yearly in temperate conditions and as a perennial plant in warmer climates. The leaves are three inches long, with golden flower heads colored yellow.
Unlike other types, the flowers of Mexican tarragon are edible.
Tarragon magical properties
And then, it has these “magical” properties that it does for the health and other purposes. In the field of naturopathy, tarragon is widely recognized and kind of sits on a throne. This perennial plant offers more benefits for health beyond the imagination.
- Aids in blood sugar decrease. For one, it helps decrease blood sugar levels, regulating this by improving sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that transports glucose to your cells so they may be used as energy
- May help improve sleep. Conditions like apnea and insomnia are among the challenges that people encounter when dozing off for the night. Poor sleep patterns increase the chances of having Type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. There are over-the-counter sleeping pills, and then, there are tarragon plants. These herbs are known to have natural sedative properties tucking you in bed for your sound sleep
- Relieve pain from osteoarthritis. This bone problem affects millions of people worldwide. Apparently, taking tarragon supplements and cooking recipes with the use of this regain may well relieve the painful effects of this health condition
- It can be transformed into several recipes. Even if you read the most popular recipes, tarragon does not frequently appear on the ingredients set. However, in herbal healing, it is highly regarded. Actually, there are various recipes you can make with tarragon, and we’re learning more about these in the succeeding paragraphs
How does it taste like
The herb is a big favorite in French cuisine and recipes. It has a very distinct taste characterized by an intense flavor that’s a blend of mild vanilla and sweet aniseed. In the local cuisine, tarragon is often found with parsley, chervil, and chives.
For several centuries, tarragon’s taste is one to beat. Generally, it contains a mixture of sweetness and bitterness. Particularly, someone who has been into cooking for many years can note hints of licorice and vanilla for the dual contrasting appeal of warmth and coolness on their dishes.
For others, they noticed its mint-like taste combined with the flavors of hay. Yet, others recognize turpentine notes and pepper-like flavors from the tarragon. The eucalyptus hints are also present, differentiating this from anise or fennel. On the other hand, the aroma is that of licorice or anise with hints of celery and mint.
Nutrition facts
The herb is also known as “dragon wort,” and is a very popular culinary ingredient also used as a flavoring, especially in Mediterranean recipes. This aromatic plant grows perennially, and is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, helping promote health and alleviate illnesses.
Here is the nutrition information of tarragon from USDA:
| Amount per 100g | |
| Calories 295 | |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 7 g | 10% |
|
9% |
|
|
|
|
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium 62 mg | 2% |
| Potassium 3,020 mg | 86% |
| Total Carbohydrate 50 g | 16% |
|
28% |
| Protein 23 g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 84% |
| Calcium | 113% |
| Vitamin D | 0% |
| Cobalamin | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 83% |
| Iron | 179% |
| Vitamin B-6 | 120% |
| Magnesium | 86% |
| Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower, depending on your calorie needs. | |
Cooking and healing with tarragon
Tarragon is available in both its fresh and dried varieties. A fragrant herb in Europe and in the Americas, the herb is a perfect addition to dishes, paired with lamb, chicken, veal, and more meat. The plant also blends well with egg and seafood dishes.
Having this herb with lemon and vinegar makes a tasty pair for salad dressings, marinades, and more. The magical properties of tarragon are perfect for the kitchen.
The culinary history of this herb is amazing. This sweet aromatic herb is growing beyond the European continent with the Mongolian invasion, and since then, the recipes have spread across the world.
It was in the 14th century when tarragon was brought to France, and since then was cultivated. Since France was then in ties with Asian countries, it was exported for use in the kitchen. Today, it is a great addition to salads, a garnish, vegetable seasoning, and a digestive tonic.
The herb became even more famous when it was incorporated into French cuisine, including in recipes such as the chaufroid, poulet and estragon, and bearnaise. Even the dijon mustard has hints of this herb. In the 1500s, the plant became a popular ingredient in European kitchens, providing health benefits for the liver and for the heart.
Known as the “little dragon of Europe and Asia,” this herb has several benefits for your health. This includes working as vitamins, phenols, and tannins, offering their healing properties for your holistic well-being. One of the greatest things about the herb is that it does not have too many side effects on organs; instead, it takes the body toward balance and equilibrium. Should they have side effects, they will be easy to treat.
Side effects
Despite the health advantages and tarragon’s magical properties, this herb also has its side effects. These side effects are nature’s way of balancing what it does and what other crops can do.
Long-term use of tarragon may be unsafe since it contains a cancer-inducing chemical known as estragole. It may be unsafe for pregnant women to have tarragon as food or medicine, so it is best to avoid eating dishes with the ingredient while pregnant.
Tarragon may also slow down blood clotting, increasing the chance of bleeding, for instance, if you have just had a surgical operation. Since it may also cause allergic reactions, it is best to consult with your physician before using the plant as an ingredient to foods.
Tarragon: How to take care
Once you have a greenhouse, it will be easier to cultivate and take care of tarragons.
Planting guidelines
- Take note that you may not grow the French tarragon variety from seeds. Those who own greenhouses should be able to purchase these plants or take the plant, to begin with from a friend’s garden space. The ideal season to cultivate is during the fall and spring seasons
- Have the transplants cultivated in soil that is well-drained, approximately two to three feet apart, to provide each plant the space to grow? A full-grown crop must cover about 12 inches of your soil
- You know you are on the right path if the plants grow about two to three feet high. Grow the tarragon alongside vegetables in the garden
How to take care
- Here are guidelines to take care of these plants. Make sure that you have these pruned regularly to avoid flowering and to keep its height about two feet. Otherwise, the tarragon will fall over.
- If you are residing in colder regions, mulch the plant later in the season to protect the winter roots.
- Keep the plants healthy by dividing these every three to four years during the spring and fall seasons. Remember that new plants may grow from cuttings on the stem or roots.
Tips for harvesting and storage
- Do not forget to harvest the plants regularly. Two or three plants are sufficient with regular pruning. Fresh utilization of tarragon is during the summer.
- You may also choose to freeze or dry the leaves. But note that leaving them dried for long may have the leaves lose its flavor. Once the leaves are dry, you may sort them out into airtight containers.
Growing tarragon in the greenhouse
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Knowing these details telling about tarragon magical properties to use it for health, for the kitchen, and for your daily lives, it will be a great opportunity to have these in your garden. Cultivating these in your new greenhouses will even take your wellness to several possibilities.