Tarragon – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is tarragon?

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a green leafy herb with a distinctive taste and many uses across different cuisines. Its flavor is that of mint, vanilla, pepper, and eucalyptus combined and is often compared to licorice. Sweet and bitter, the herb is either loved or hated by people.

The tarragon herb has three types:

• The most common is French tarragon, which you can easily find in the fresh produce department with various fresh herbs.
• Spanish (or Mexican) tarragon has a richer taste and small gold flowers.
• Russian tarragon has the strongest and most bitter taste and is used to flavor drinks.

Known as the “king of herbs” in France,  tarragon is part of the mixture known as fines herbs, consisting of parsley, tarragon, chervil, and chives. Part of the sunflower family, tarragon is also called estragon.

Common uses for tarragon in cooking include:

• Bearnaise sauce and aoli
• Soups
• Salads
• Dressings
• Seasoning poultry
• Eggs and omelets
• Adding flavor to salmon
• As an addition to fresh vegetables, like asparagus
• As a garnish to fresh beverages, like lemonade

Tarragon pairs well with lemon and vinegar because of their acidy tastes. That combination may often be found in dressings and sauces.

Where did tarragon originate from?

Tarragon is believed to have first grown in Serbia. It’s now found throughout Europe, mostly in France and Spain, and in North America.

Unlike other herbs that were believed to be discovered in ancient times, tarragon’s history is relatively recent. Mentions of it only appeared about 600 years ago. Invading Mongols may have brought it to Italy in the 10th century. The Mongols used tarragon as a breath freshener, sleep aid, and seasoning. Roman soldiers are rumored to have stuffed tarragon into their shoes as a means of boosting energy.

What are the benefits of eating tarragon?

Tarragon is low in carbohydrates and calories but rich in nutrients. The three primary contents are:

• Maganese
• Iron
• Potassium

It also includes some key vitamins, like:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Folate

How is tarragon grown?

A perennial plant, tarragon is grown from seedlings, divisions, or cuttings. The plants must be carefully cultivated because the roots grow laterally rather than vertically. The plants must be carefully protected from frost by using mulch.

Farmers place the plants 18in to 2ft apart to allow room for spreading. The plant will typically grow to a height of 18 to 36in. The herb loves the full sun and will thrive best in those conditions.

Tarragon is a relatively hardy plant, but farmers will typically dig up and divide the plants every 3 to 4 years, getting rid of older roots and replanting the smaller, fresher ones.

When is tarragon in season?

Tarragon is typically harvested in the summer months, from May until the end of August. But, because it is so popular, shoppers can find it year-round.

Home chefs will want to keep tarragon on hand for a wide variety of recipes, and, like many other herbs, it can be dried for a longer life span.

How do you pick tarragon at the grocery store?

When selecting tarragon, look for leaves that are light green and perky. It can be found in bunches in clamshell packages, loose in springs, or dried in sprigs, along with other fresh herbs and fresh produce.

Some say that tarragon looks like fresh green grass that sprouts from a skinny stem. The leaves are medium in length, have a ridge through the middle, and reach a point at the end.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for tarragon via Instacart. After adding tarragon to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for tarragon now.

How to store tarragon

Tarragon can be kept in its clamshell packaging in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Still, it will last longer when wrapped in a slightly wet paper towel, placed in an airtight plastic bag, and placed in the refrigerator. When properly stored, the fresh herb will keep about 10 to 14 days.

Tarragon can also be dehydrated for longer shelf life. Like some other herbs, it can be placed in ice cube trays and frozen with a little water or oil. When frozen, tarragon can last 4 to 6 months under optimal conditions.

How to tell if tarragon is bad

When tarragon begins to spoil, it becomes soft and discolored. It may also have an unpleasant smell. When the herb will not be used right away, drying it will extend the flavor and life. Some home chefs will dry tarragon and use it to make their own fines herbes.

What can I substitute for tarragon?

No other herb will have the same distinctive licorice taste as tarragon, but some common substitutes include:

• Dill
• Basil
• Marjoram
• Chervil
• Fennel seeds

The best alternative is to keep dried tarragon in your pantry at all times. It can be found in flakes or leaves in the spice aisle.

How can I find tarragon near me?

Tarragon is readily available for 2-hour delivery or pick-up via Instacart. When shopping for tarragon, consider some of the other fresh herbs available at the grocery store and build recipes using a range of fresh proteins and fresh produce.

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