Herb Of The Week - Tarragon

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There is much more info and useful link about tarragon on the web site

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Artemisia+dracunculus

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

 

 

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http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Artemisia+dracunculus

 

 

Physical Characteristics

 

 

Perennial growing to 0.6m by 0.3m . It is hardy to zone 6. It is in

flower from June to August. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have

both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. We rate it 4

out of 5 for usefulness.

 

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires

well-drained soil. The plant prefers neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.

It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry

or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

 

 

Habitats and Possible Locations

 

 

Cultivated Beds.

 

 

Edible Uses

 

 

Condiment; Leaves.

 

Leaves - raw or used as a flavouring in soups etc[2, 4, 14, 21, 37].

Tarragon is a commonly used herbal flavouring that is used in many

traditional recipes[244]. It is particularly of value because of its

beneficial effect upon the digestion and so is often used with oily

foods[244]. The leaves can also be harvested in late summer and dried

for later use[4]. The aromatic leaves have a very nice flavour that is

somewhat liquorice-like[183, K]. They make an excellent flavouring in

salads[K]. The young shoots can also be cooked and used as a

potherb[183]. The leaves are used as a flavouring in vinegar[4].

 

An essential oil from the leaves is used as a flavouring[61].

 

 

Medicinal Uses

 

 

Disclaimer <http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/D_med.html#DISCLAIM>

 

Antiscorbutic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Febrifuge; Hypnotic; Odontalgic;

Stomachic; Vermifuge.

 

 

Tarragon is a bitter warming aromatic herb that stimulates the digestive

system and uterus, lowers fevers and destroys intestinal worms[238]. It

is little used in modern herbalism, though it is sometimes employed as

an appetizer[268].

 

The leaves (and an essential oil obtained from them) are antiscorbutic,

diuretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic and stomachic[21, 146, 179, 238]. An

infusion is used in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, nausea,

hiccups etc[244]. The plant is mildly sedative and has been taken to aid

sleep[254]. It also has mild emmenagogue properties and can be used to

induce a delayed period[254]. A poultice can be used to relieve

rheumatism, gout, arthritis and toothache[244]. The plant is harvested

in the summer and can be dried for later use[238]. This herb should not

be prescribed for pregnant women[238].

 

The root has been used to cure toothache[4].

 

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat digestive and

menstrual problems[238].

 

 

Other Uses

 

 

Essential; Repellent.

 

The leaves contain about 0.3% essential oil, about 70% of which is

methyl chivacol[240]. This is used as a food flavouring, in detergents

and also medicinally[61, 238].

 

Both the growing and the dried plant repels insects[99].

 

 

Cultivation details

 

 

Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy

soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position[1, 37, 52, , 200]. Plants are

not very long-lived when grown in clay soils[190]. Plants are longer

lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry

soil[245]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190, 200]. Tolerates

a pH in the range 6.5 to 7.8.

 

Plants are relatively hardy in Britain, but can be killed in wet

winters. It is best to grow tarragon in a dry, rather poor soil since

this will produce hardier plants[4]. The dry soil will also help to

reduce predation by slugs, these creatures are very fond of the young

growth and have been known to completely destroy even well-established

plants[K]. When well suited, the plants can spread freely at the

roots[K].

 

The flowers do not open in cool summers and viable seed is seldom

produced[238].

 

Often grown in the herb garden, tarragon is also sometimes grown

commercially for its edible leaves which are used mainly as a

flavouring[46]. There is at least one named variety, 'Epicure' is a new

fragrant cultivar[183].

 

There is a closely related species, A. dracunculoides or Russian

tarragon, which is quite inferior in flavour, though sometimes supplied

under this name.

 

A good companion for most plants, especially aubergines and sweet

peppers[201].

 

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

 

 

 

Propagation

 

 

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse.

Fertile seed is rarely produced from this plant - most if not all seed

supplied under this name is of the inferior form, Russian tarragon (A.

dracunculoides). Therefore, it is best to only propagate by division.

 

Division is very easy in spring or autumn[K]. The divisions can be

planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we prefer to

pot them up first and grow them on in a cold frame until they have

rooted well.

 

Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest young shoots about 10 - 15c long

and pot them up in a lightly shaded place in a greenhouse or cold frame.

Plant them out into their permanent positions when well rooted. A very

quick and easy method of propagation[K].

 

 

Scent

 

 

Leaves: Crushed

 

The leaves are aromatic.

 

 

Cultivars

 

 

'Epicure'

 

A very fragrant cultivar[183].