Tarragon is a flavorful herb often used in French cuisine. Its correct spelling is /ˈtærəɡən/, which is pronounced as "TA-ruh-guhn." The word is derived from the French word "estragon," which means "little dragon." The spelling of the word is unique in that it features a double "r" and a silent "g," which can be tricky for non-native English speakers to pronounce correctly. Tarragon is prized for its anise-like flavor and is often used to season sauces, dressings, and seafood dishes.
Tarragon is a noun that refers to a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, characterized by its narrow, slender, and aromatic leaves. Scientifically known as Artemisia dracunculus, tarragon is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia but widely cultivated and used in various cuisines worldwide. It is particularly renowned for its culinary applications due to its distinct flavor profile, often described as bittersweet, slightly anise-like, and reminiscent of licorice.
In the culinary world, tarragon is highly regarded as a versatile herb, commonly used as a seasoning or garnish to enhance the taste and fragrance of a wide range of dishes. Its leaves, whether fresh or dried, are widely utilized in both hot and cold cuisine, such as sauces, soups, dressings, marinades, and infused vinegars. Tarragon is especially prominent in French cuisine and is a key ingredient in classic dishes like Béarnaise sauce and fines herbes.
Beyond its culinary attributes, tarragon also possesses medicinal properties and has been used in various traditional remedies for centuries. It is believed that tarragon can aid in digestion, stimulate appetite, and serve as a natural antiseptic and diuretic. However, scientific studies are ongoing to further examine and confirm such potential health benefits.
Overall, tarragon is a highly valued herb due to its delicious taste, aromatic qualities, and potential medicinal properties, making it a sought-after ingredient in kitchens and herb gardens worldwide.
An aromatic plant used for perfuming vinegar in France; herb-dragon.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tarragon" has its origins in the Middle French word "targon", which can be traced back to the Arabic word "tarkhūn". From Arabic, it entered medieval Latin as "tarchon" or "terragon", and then became "tarragon" in English. The Arabic term "tarkhūn" likely originated from the Greek word "drakōn", meaning "dragon", supposedly due to the plant's serpentine roots. Eventually, the Greek term transformed into "tarhūn" in Arabic, and later evolved into "tarragon" in various European languages.