Herb | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Carb

Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus Allergen-Free
tarragon

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Asteraceae
  • Primary Cuisine French
  • Seasonality Late Spring - Early Fall
  • Source Tarragon plant leaves

The Forktionary Angle

"The French Paradox: Mastering the subtle art of tarragon."

Definition

An aromatic herb with a distinctive licorice-anise flavor, commonly used in French cuisine, especially for sauces and poultry.

Sensory Profile

TasteAnise, licorice, bittersweet, peppery, slightly vanilla
TextureTender, delicate
AromaPungent, herbaceous, anise-like, aromatic
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Active Compound:

Estragole is the primary compound responsible for its unique aroma.

Flavor Loss:

Its delicate flavor diminishes quickly with prolonged cooking.

Traditional Usage:

One of the four "fines herbes" of French cuisine.

Nutrition Facts

Per 2g (1 tsp dried)
Calories295 kcal
Total Fat7.2 g
Saturated Fat2.0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein23.0 g
Total Carbohydrate50.3 g
Dietary Fiber7.4 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium1139 mg
Iron32.3 mg
Potassium3020 mg

Chef’s Secret

Infuse fresh tarragon into warm vinegar or olive oil for a quick vinaigrette or marinade base to capture its delicate essence.

Substitutions

Best Match

Aniseed

1:1 (ground)

Good for matching the licorice flavor, less herbaceous.

Fennel Seeds

1:1 (crushed)

Offers a similar anise flavor, good for cooked dishes.

Chervil

1:1

More delicate, similar aesthetic, but lacks the strong anise note.

Dried Tarragon

1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried

Pantry staple, use early in cooking to rehydrate and infuse.

Buying Guide

Choose fresh, vibrant green leaves without wilting or dark spots. Avoid dried tarragon that looks dull or brownish.

Flavor Pairings

Chicken fish eggs asparagus mushrooms vinegar mustard cream shallots.

Recipes Using Tarragon

Preparation Cuisine Romantic Low Carb

15 Minute Baked Halibut With Herbs

Ready in just 15 minutes! This incredibly easy baked halibut recipe bursts with fresh herb flavor. Flaky, delicious halibut is perfectly complemented by a light, bright sauce, all achieved with minimal effort. Fresh herbs are key – unlock the secret to unbelievably delicious, healthy eating. This recipe is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. From the world's healthiest foods.

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Low Protein Course 15 Minutes Or Less Low Sodium

Almost Magic Pan Orange Almond Salad

A vibrant and surprisingly easy salad recipe, inspired by a Magic Pan employee! This zesty salad combines crunchy toasted almonds, crisp lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, and a creamy, homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a delightful potluck contribution. Get ready to be amazed!

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Main Ingredient Low In Something Asparagus Low Protein

Asparagus In Tarragon Hollandaise Sauce Good And Fancy

Elevate simple asparagus into a restaurant-worthy dish with this quick and easy tarragon hollandaise sauce. Perfect for using seasonal asparagus, this recipe is both elegant and surprisingly simple to make. Looking for a twist? Substitute the tarragon with 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, 1/4 cup of chervil, or 1 tablespoon of lemon thyme!

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15 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado Strawberry Salad With Feta And Walnuts In A Tarragon Vin

Award-winning recipe! This vibrant and refreshing Avocado Strawberry Salad is a taste sensation. Inspired by Mark Bittman's minimalist cooking style, it's incredibly easy to make yet sophisticated enough for any occasion. Sweet strawberries and creamy avocado are perfectly balanced by salty feta, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy tarragon vinaigrette. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for extra flair. Looking for a lower-calorie option? Simply substitute a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the oil, cider vinegar, and sugar in the dressing!

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Time To Make Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Baby Arugula And Walnut Salad In A Tomato Bowl

Impress your guests with this stunning Baby Arugula and Walnut Salad, served in a vibrant tomato bowl! This light and flavorful salad is the perfect appetizer or starter for any dinner party. The delicate arugula is perfectly complemented by crunchy walnuts (use sparingly!), creating a delightful textural contrast. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Learn how to create this show-stopping salad today!

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Yeast Breakfast Preparation Healthy

Bagels

Learn to make delicious, chewy bagels from scratch! This recipe guides you through making classic bagels and exciting variations like rye, herb, onion, poppy seed, and sesame seed bagels. Perfect for weekend baking and impressing your friends and family.

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Fish Seafood Time To Make Preparation

Baked Fish With A Cheese And Tarragon Crust

Flaky baked fish gets a delicious upgrade with a vibrant, cheesy tarragon crust! This incredibly easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is a fantastic way to add more healthy fish to your weekly meals. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat.

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Course Occasion Low In Something Course

Baked Fish With Crispy Herbed Shrimp Topping

Impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful Baked Fish with Crispy Herbed Shrimp Topping! This make-ahead recipe is perfect for a company dinner. The fish marinates while you prep, making it a surprisingly easy yet impressive dish. Enjoy flaky, baked fish topped with a crunchy, herbed shrimp mixture – a delicious combination that's sure to be a new favorite!

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Saltwater Fish Dietary Fish Main Dish

Baked Flounder Very Easy

A taste of the Jersey Shore! This incredibly easy baked flounder recipe is inspired by a classic family tradition. Enjoy flaky, flavorful flounder cooked to perfection in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend get-together.

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Time To Make Equipment Seafood Low In Something

Baked Haddock Casserole

Indulge in this creamy and dreamy Baked Haddock Casserole! Flaky haddock fillets are bathed in a rich mushroom sauce, then topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a truly unforgettable dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Option to bake whole haddock fillets for a stunning presentation!

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Course Beans Lentils Main Dish

Baked Lentils And Vegetables

Hearty and healthy, this baked lentil recipe is a flavor explosion! Packed with vegetables and savory spices, it's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with deliciousness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Main Ingredient Low Carb Time To Make Main Ingredient

Baked Salmon With Tarragon And Bacon

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant and flavorful baked salmon recipe! Perfectly flaky salmon fillets are enhanced by crispy bacon, fragrant tarragon, and a bright lemon finish. This simple yet impressive dish is ready in under 40 minutes and requires minimal cleanup – perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.

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Chicken Breasts Chicken Breasts High In Something Dietary

Baked Tarragon Chicken Breasts

This 5-star recipe for Baked Tarragon Chicken Breasts is a family favorite! Even picky eaters will devour these juicy, flavorful chicken breasts, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing company. The vibrant color from brown mustard adds an irresistible appeal. Serve with buttery noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Adapted from "What's for Dinner" by Maryana Vollstedt.

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High In Something Preparation Saltwater Fish High Protein

Baked Tilapia

Flaky, delicious baked tilapia fillets smothered in a creamy herb sauce. This easy recipe from the American Tilapia Association is ready in under an hour and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Impress your family with this restaurant-quality dish!

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For 1 Or 2 Occasion Freshwater Fish Low Carb

Baked Tilapia With Veggies Herbs And Wine

A delightful and healthy baked tilapia recipe, ready in under an hour! This low-fat, flavorful dish features succulent tilapia fillets baked to perfection with a vibrant medley of sautéed portabello mushrooms, green onions, and bell peppers, enhanced by fragrant sherry and tarragon. Easy to follow instructions make it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Main Ingredient Healthy 2 Carrots Low Carb

Balsamic Butter Glazed Baby Carrots

Experience the irresistible sweetness of fall with these Balsamic Butter Glazed Baby Carrots! This Southern Living-inspired recipe (November 2006) elevates simple baby carrots into a sophisticated side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal. Sweet balsamic glaze complements the tender carrots beautifully, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth.

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Vegetables Vegetables Dietary Course

Barefoot Contessa's Herb Potato Salad

Ina Garten's delightful Herb Potato Salad, as seen on her Food Network show "Flavors and Flowers." This recipe features tender potatoes tossed in a vibrant herb dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal. Easily customizable – use small red potatoes, Yukon Golds, or small white potatoes for your preferred texture!

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Sauces Main Ingredient Occasion Condiments Etc

Bearnaise Sauce

Elevate your steak, fish, or vegetables with this rich and decadent classic Bearnaise sauce! Our recipe delivers a luxuriously smooth and flavorful sauce in just 40 minutes. Perfect for impressing guests or adding a touch of elegance to a weeknight meal. Get ready to experience the ultimate buttery, tangy, and herbaceous delight!

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