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

Time To Make Egg Free Main Dish Low Saturated Fat

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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Chicken Breasts Easy Meat 3 Steps Or Less

Almond Chicken Breasts With Creamy Tarragon Mustard Sauce

Enjoy this restaurant-quality, incredibly flavorful Almond Crusted Chicken Breasts recipe, ready in under 20 minutes! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy almond and breadcrumb mixture, pan-fried to perfection, and then smothered in a luscious creamy tarragon mustard sauce. A quick, easy, and impressive weeknight meal from r. Reisman.

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Chicken Main Ingredient Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less

Almond Tarragon Chicken Salad

Recreate the delicious Publix deli favorite – Almond Tarragon Chicken Salad! This copycat recipe tastes just like the $6/lb version, but for a fraction of the cost. Easy to make at home, this creamy and flavorful salad is perfect served on toasted crescent rolls, crusty bread, or crackers. Get ready for a taste of gourmet comfort food!

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Low Cholesterol Vegetables Healthy 2 Potatoes

Alton Brown's Red Potato Salad

This Alton Brown-inspired red potato salad recipe is a game-changer! Perfectly cooked red potatoes are tossed in a tangy vinegar bath, then combined with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing featuring fresh herbs and crunchy veggies. Get ready for a side dish that will steal the show at your next BBQ or potluck. This recipe is easy to follow, with clear instructions and perfectly balanced flavors. Prepare to be amazed!

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Apricot Brandy Chicken

This incredibly easy 30-minute recipe delivers a burst of apricot brandy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds! The rich, luscious sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, leaving everyone wanting more. A family favorite, guaranteed to impress!

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Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Low Cholesterol Low Sodium Salads

Artichoke Heart And Tomato Salad

This vibrant Artichoke Heart and Tomato Salad is a refreshing side dish or a delightful pita pocket filling! Inspired by the legendary Moosewood Restaurant, this recipe requires minimal cooking – mostly chilling time – to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Imagine juicy tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and a zesty, herbaceous dressing creating a symphony of taste in your mouth. Perfect for a light lunch, summer barbecue, or a healthy weeknight meal.

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30 Minutes Or Less Vegetables Preparation Green Yellow Beans

Asparagus And Green Bean Salad With Herb Dijon Dressing

This vibrant Asparagus & Green Bean Salad is a delightful blend of fresh asparagus, crisp green beans, and a creamy herb Dijon dressing. The tangy dressing perfectly complements the tender-crisp vegetables, while crumbled blue cheese adds a salty, creamy bite. Easy to make and perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or starter for a summer gathering!

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Dietary Equipment Meat Chicken

Baked Apple Chicken

Juicy and flavorful baked chicken with a sweet and savory apple twist! This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and requires minimal prep time. Enjoy tender chicken baked to perfection with a hint of cinnamon and apple goodness.

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Course Shellfish Fish 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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4 Hours Or Less Lentils Dietary Time To Make

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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Salmon Preparation North American Fish

Baked Salmon Delight

Experience culinary bliss with our Baked Salmon Delight! This quick, easy, and elegant recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Flaky salmon fillets are baked to perfection on a bed of greens, creating a stunning presentation. Infused with aromatic tarragon (or classic dill for the less adventurous), this recipe is surprisingly versatile. We've used tilapia, whiting, and even catfish with fantastic results! The key is elevating the fish on a rack for perfectly crispy skin – no more soggy fish! Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just as well. Pair this delightful dish with garlic mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad for a complete and unforgettable meal. Prepare to be amazed by how simple gourmet can be!

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Dietary Course Oven Occasion

Baked Tarragon Orange Salmon

Impress your guests with this elegant Baked Tarragon Orange Salmon! Adapted from a beloved hometown cooking magazine recipe, this dish is perfect for a dinner party. The salmon is delicately marinated in a vibrant orange and tarragon mixture, then baked to flaky perfection. Garnished with fresh orange slices, it's a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to follow instructions make this recipe perfect for both experienced and beginner cooks.

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Oven 60 Minutes Or Less Squash Course

Baked Zucchini Carrot Fritters

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – these baked zucchini and carrot fritters are a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-fried versions. Packed with veggies and bursting with flavor, they're perfect as a side dish or a light meal. This recipe skips the deep fryer for a healthier bake, making them guilt-free goodness!

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Time To Make Preparation Low Carb Low Cholesterol

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 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Main Dish

Beef Fillets With Stilton Portabella Sauce

Indulge in a luxurious Beef Fillets with Creamy Stilton & Portabella Mushroom Sauce! This elegant recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration. The rich Stilton sauce complements the tender beef fillets beautifully. Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed haricots verts for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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Very Low Carbs 30 Minutes Or Less For 1 Or 2 Preparation

Beef Tenderloin Steaks With Red Wine Tarragon Sauce

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant yet surprisingly easy recipe for pan-seared beef tenderloin steaks. Tender, juicy beef is perfectly complemented by a luscious red wine tarragon sauce. This Cooking Light-inspired recipe (October 2003) is guaranteed to impress! Ready in under 30 minutes.

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Vegetarian Potluck Dietary Occasion

Beets With Mustard And Tarragon

Earthy beets meet a zesty mustard-tarragon dressing in this vibrant and healthy salad! Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or light meal. Beautiful color, incredible taste, and packed with nutrients – what's not to love?

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Time To Make Time To Make Preparation For 1 Or 2

Flat Iron Steak Marinade

Transform a budget-friendly flat iron steak into a restaurant-quality masterpiece with this incredible marinade! This recipe delivers a tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized steak every time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this marinade is your secret weapon for unlocking the full potential of less expensive cuts of beef. Get ready for juicy, delicious perfection!

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