Tarragon’s flavor is strong, so it can dominate other flavors and
should not be overused.
Tarragon is best known for its aniselike flavor. Its inch-long, gray-green leaves are
narrow, softly pointed, and heavily scented.
Varieties
Both French and Russian tarragon are available. French tarragon is
the more delicate and flavorful of the two and is preferred for cooking.
Both varieties are available in fresh, dried, and powdered forms. Fresh tarragon is more
flavorful than the dried herb.
Buying and storing tips
Choose fresh tarragon that has a clean, fresh scent. It can be stored
in the refrigerator, wrapped in a barely damp paper towel inside a sealable plastic bag, for
up to five days. Store dried tarragon in an airtight storage container, in a cool, dark place
for no more than six months.
Availability
Tarragon is available fresh in the summer and early fall in the
produce section of most supermarkets. It is sold year-round in dried and powdered forms in the
spice section of most supermarkets.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Tarragon is widely used in classic French cooking for a variety of
dishes including chicken, fish, and
vegetables, as well as many sauces, the best known being béarnaise (a distinctive and
classic French sauce). It’s also an integral ingredient in a variety of herbal
combinations, including fines herbes; other herbs included in this classic
combination are chervil, chives, and
parsley.
Tarragon’s flavor is strong, so it can overpower other flavors and should be used
with a light hand. Also, cooking intensifies the flavor of both fresh and dried tarragon.
Some gourmet markets carry tarragon vinegar, which
works well over salads of fresh leafy greens.
Nutritional Highlights
Tarragon, dried, ground, 1 Tbsp (5g)
Calories: 14
Protein: 1.0g
Carbohydrate: 2.4g
Total Fat: 0.34g
Fiber: 0.35g
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
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Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires December 2003.
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