Uses and health benefits of tarragon
Uses and health benefits of tarragon
Overview of tarragon.
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Transcript
The bent, narrow leaves of the tarragon plant look like hundreds of thin tongues. Maybe that's why the Ancient Greeks came to believe it would protect them against snakes. And the peculiar shape of its leaves also probably inspired the name of the Latin species. Dracunculus means little dragon.
State of the art technology enables an extremely close examination of the serpent-tongued leaves. With the help of a scanning electron microscope, scientists enter a fascinating microcosm. Under magnification, the seemingly smooth leaves reveal previously imperceptible cell structures - even small buds can be seen.
Because of its charismatic, bitter-sweet aroma, tarragon is a frequently used culinary herb. Especially in French cuisine, its unique taste is extremely popular. The herb is related to wormwood and mugwort and can be divided into two distinct varieties: French and Russian. French tarragon has a sweet aniseed flavor, due to the high level of the component estragol in its essential oils. Because Russian tarragon contains very little estragol, its bitter aromas dominate its flavor.
Anyone intent on incorporating the small dragon's tongues in their cooking should pluck the leaves fresh from the plant, right before flowering. As with most herbs, this is the time when the essential oil content is highest and the taste strongest. Tarragon is commonly used in the preparation of sauces, soups, egg dishes and pickles. Of the many culinary compositions with the herb, one stands out: sauce Bernaise. This French classic is made from egg yolks, butter and of course tarragon. The creamy sauce goes well with flash-fried meat or fish. Tarragon is one of the few herbs that only develop their full flavor after heating.
It is a little-known fact that, besides being delicious, tarragon has other beneficial effects. Its essential oils, tannins and bitter substances reduce flatulence and stimulate the flow of gastric juices. A homemade tarragon liqueur is an excellent digestif after eating fatty foods. Simply mix tarragon leaves, alcohol and sugar. Seal the bottle and allow it to rest in a dark and cool place for about four weeks. During this time, the tarragon leaves will release their active substances and the liqueur can be strained through a sieve and bottled. Tarragon is also believed to help against restlessness and sleeping disorders, so a glass of tarragon liqueur before bedtime will likely guarantee a good night's sleep.
The delicate plant loves nutritious, rich soil and a place in the sun. It doesn't feel particularly comfortable in damp, cold places. If the herb is grown in a pot, it should enjoy at least five hours of sunlight a day. Once rooted, the tarragon is a loyal resident. The perennial herb will return to new life each spring. Under ideal conditions, it will grow up to two meters high. In the warm climes of southern Europe, it can also be found in the wild. Harvesting is best from May to June, with the tips and young leaves being the most aromatic parts. To ensure a year-round supply, the herb can be dried and then stored in a crushed state.
Tarragon is a spice that can surely star on its own, but that can also team up with other herbs and become part of a harmonious blend. Combined with chives, chervil and parsley, it belongs to the well-known French herb mixture fines herbes.
State of the art technology enables an extremely close examination of the serpent-tongued leaves. With the help of a scanning electron microscope, scientists enter a fascinating microcosm. Under magnification, the seemingly smooth leaves reveal previously imperceptible cell structures - even small buds can be seen.
Because of its charismatic, bitter-sweet aroma, tarragon is a frequently used culinary herb. Especially in French cuisine, its unique taste is extremely popular. The herb is related to wormwood and mugwort and can be divided into two distinct varieties: French and Russian. French tarragon has a sweet aniseed flavor, due to the high level of the component estragol in its essential oils. Because Russian tarragon contains very little estragol, its bitter aromas dominate its flavor.
Anyone intent on incorporating the small dragon's tongues in their cooking should pluck the leaves fresh from the plant, right before flowering. As with most herbs, this is the time when the essential oil content is highest and the taste strongest. Tarragon is commonly used in the preparation of sauces, soups, egg dishes and pickles. Of the many culinary compositions with the herb, one stands out: sauce Bernaise. This French classic is made from egg yolks, butter and of course tarragon. The creamy sauce goes well with flash-fried meat or fish. Tarragon is one of the few herbs that only develop their full flavor after heating.
It is a little-known fact that, besides being delicious, tarragon has other beneficial effects. Its essential oils, tannins and bitter substances reduce flatulence and stimulate the flow of gastric juices. A homemade tarragon liqueur is an excellent digestif after eating fatty foods. Simply mix tarragon leaves, alcohol and sugar. Seal the bottle and allow it to rest in a dark and cool place for about four weeks. During this time, the tarragon leaves will release their active substances and the liqueur can be strained through a sieve and bottled. Tarragon is also believed to help against restlessness and sleeping disorders, so a glass of tarragon liqueur before bedtime will likely guarantee a good night's sleep.
The delicate plant loves nutritious, rich soil and a place in the sun. It doesn't feel particularly comfortable in damp, cold places. If the herb is grown in a pot, it should enjoy at least five hours of sunlight a day. Once rooted, the tarragon is a loyal resident. The perennial herb will return to new life each spring. Under ideal conditions, it will grow up to two meters high. In the warm climes of southern Europe, it can also be found in the wild. Harvesting is best from May to June, with the tips and young leaves being the most aromatic parts. To ensure a year-round supply, the herb can be dried and then stored in a crushed state.
Tarragon is a spice that can surely star on its own, but that can also team up with other herbs and become part of a harmonious blend. Combined with chives, chervil and parsley, it belongs to the well-known French herb mixture fines herbes.