Tarragon is from the family Asteraceae. It is a Herbaceous Perennial with aromatic, long narrow smooth, green leaves that have an anise flavour. Its flavour promotes appetite and complements so many dishes; such as chicken, veal, fish, stuffed tomatoes and, of course, it is the main ingredient in sauce bearnaise and the traditional ingredient of Fines Herbes. Its name, Dracunulus, means ‘little dragon’, which could be the result of the shape of its roots or, as we believe, its fiery flavour. In ancient times the mixed juices of Tarragon and Fennel made a favourite drink for the Kings of India. There is also a story that Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon for her reckless use of Tarragon.
See French Tarragon's Jekkapedia entry.
Is French Tarragon easy to grow and how do we get best results?
Only the Russian and wild varieties produce viable seed. A lot of growers are propagating it and selling it as French Tarragon. The taste is not comparable, the Russian Tarragon tastes like ‘upper class grass’. Both French and Russian Tarragon can be propagated by cuttings from both growing tips or roots in spring.
French Tarragon is the more tender of the two; it grows best in a warm, dry position and will need protection in winter. The plant should be renewed every three years as the flavour can deteriorate with age.
Tarragon grows well in containers. As it produces rhizomes, choose a container that gives it room to grow so it will not become pot bound. Makes sure the plant is watered but note that it hates being over wet . Keep foliar feed to a minimum as it effects the flavour, too much feed makes fleshy leaves with poor flavour.
In winter, Tarragon dies back into the ground. You should protect it and prevent it from getting over wet. It is the wet that kills not the cold. If it is in a container, move it into a cool, frost-free environment.
French Tarragon in winter: dead growth on top of new shoots
Jekka’s top tip is to pinch off any flowers to ensure a continuous supply of leaves.
For those without a garden or outdoor space can it be grown in a pot on a windowsill inside the home?
Herbs, in general, prefer to be grown outside but some of them can be grown indoors if you provide them with the correct conditions. Unfortunately, French Tarragon is not one of them.
If you are looking to grow herbs indoors, please check out Jekka’s blog on indoor herb gardening.
When is French Tarragon ready to pick and eat?
Tarragon can be picked as soon as it appears. At the start of the season pick sparingly so it has a chance to grow. You can pick the leaves from early Spring to early Autumn. The flavour varies throughout the season, with sweetest anise flavour in early spring, so this is the best time to make Tarragon vinegar. In summer the flavour becomes more intense with a slightly bitter anise flavour. This is the best time for longer cooking such as in baking or with roasts.
Our favourite recipes for French Tarragon
French Tarragon is one of the top culinary herbs. Our favourite uses for French Tarragon is to make a vinegar or to serve it with Chicken either in a salad or a roast; below we give a simple pan- fried chicken and French Tarragon recipe.
Tarragon Vinegar
This is one of the most useful vinegars that can be used for salad dressings, marinades or mayonnaise. This is taken from Jekka’s Master Class How to Use Herbs.
Makes 500ml
Ingredients:
- 500ml of white wine vinegar;
- Enough French Tarragon to fill a 500 ml bottle.
Steps:
- Either sterilise a jar or bottle or use a shop brought bottle of white wine vinegar. If using the later, pour a small amount into a bowl to stop the bottle overflowing when you add the herbs.
- Add your herbs to the bottle and push down to ensure they are fully covered by the vinegar.
- Label and date your vinegar.
- Leave to infuse on the window sill for 4 to 6 weeks; taste periodically.
- Will keep for about a year in a cool dark place. You can top it up as necessary to ensure the herbs remain covered
French Tarragon vinegar
French Tarragon and Chicken Breasts
This recipe reminds us of Grand-ma Clare, Jekka’s mother, who always roasted chicken with Tarragon. Goes well with a roast potato and a crisp green salad for a lovely spring meal. This recipe is taken from Jekka’s Cook Book (pg. 315).
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 25g unsalted butter;
- Light oil or sun flower oil;
- 2 chicken breast fillets;
- 1 shallot, finely chopped;
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped;
- 1 tbsp French Tarragon leaves, removed from the stem and finely chopped, plus a few whole leaves for garnish;
- 2 tbsp crème fraiche.
Steps:
- Heat a large frying pan with a lid and add the butter with a good glug of olive oil.
- Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts and cook on both sides until golden brown to seal in the meat.
- Lower the heat, cover and cook for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken and add the shallot and garlic to the pan. Increase the heat and cook, stirring, until soft. Add the crème fraiche and cook for one minute.
- Return the chicken to the frying pan and toss them in the sauce for 1 minute. Serve, garnished with some French Tarragon leaves.
If you love the sounds of this recipe, check out our other herb-based recipes and cooking Master Classes for more inspiration.
Want to know more?
For advice on growing and maintaining herbs, check out Jekka's How to Grow Herbs videos and ‘Jekka’s Seasonal Tips’ blog series, which includes what to do in your herb garden in early spring, late spring, summer and autumn & winter. Together they form the basis of Jekka’s guide on how to grow herbs.
Herb plants are available and you can organise a collection from our herb farm in South Gloucestershire or at one of our Open Days or Herb Experiences (see our events calendar). Please see our 'Looking Good List' for availability and use our webform or email your list directly to us (sales@jekkas.com). We no longer offer a mail order service for our plants.