The famous tarragon: everything about growing tarragon. Tarragon: beneficial properties, use and cultivation What tarragon looks like

Tarragon (another name for the herb is tarragon) refers to plants that are widely found in natural conditions. It has wide potential for planting in gardens and vegetable gardens. This is due to its beneficial properties and qualities.

What does the tarragon plant look like?

According to the description, the stems of the plant are few, their height varies from 40 to 150 cm. The stems are bare, erect, yellow-brown in color. The foliage is entire, oblong-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate in shape with a pointed apex. The upper part of the leaves of the lower tier is slightly cut.

The flowers have a pale yellow color. They are arranged in narrowed and thickened paniculate inflorescences, wrapped in shortened elliptical or spherical foliage. The wrapper is bare, colored greenish-yellowish, shiny with films around the edges.

The fruit is an elongated achene; it lacks a tuft. Flowering begins in July and continues until August. The fruit ripening period occurs in mid-autumn. The root system is woody.

Goodwin tarragon

Under natural conditions, the plant grows in the countries of Eastern Europe, Transcaucasia, Central Asia, as well as in China, India, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The area of ​​tarragon in North America stretches from the subarctic territories of Alaska and Canada to the central regions of Mexico. In Russia, the culture can be found in the European territory of Russia, the southern regions of Eastern Siberia, Western Siberia, and the Far East.

Types and varieties

In nature, there are only two types of tarragon: odorless and odorous. The second variety is most often cultivated under cultural conditions and used for medicinal and medicinal purposes. It includes the following varieties.

Goodwin

A perennial variety characterized by increased winter and frost resistance. Plants grow up to 1 meter in height and form an abundant vegetative mass. By the second year of cultivation, the mass of green mass reaches 500-600 g, due to which it becomes ready for cutting. The peculiarities of the variety are a powerful pleasant aroma and a slightly bitter taste. The foliage of the plant is used as a seasoning for various pickles, as well as meat, vegetable and fish dishes. Plants can be cultivated both in an apartment on a windowsill and in open ground.

Zhulebinsky Semko

Zhulebinsky Semko

The height of the plant stems varies from 60 cm to 1.5 m. The foliage is thickened, and the plant itself is characterized by an atypical island-spicy aroma. The flowers are small in size and yellowish in color. The variety has found application in cooking and vegetable canning.

Dobrynya

The stems of the variety grow up to 1 m in height. The plant has increased frost resistance and drought resistance, and tolerates winter periods normally. The variety can grow in one place for up to 10 years in a row, but experienced gardeners still recommend dividing the bushes once every 3 years in order to rejuvenate the plantings. Dobrynya contains carotene, essential oil, ascorbic acid and other useful chemical elements. The leaves are used for preparing fish and meat dishes, salads, drinks and pickles according to appropriate recipes.

Gribovsky

Gribovsky

One of the most widespread varieties in Russia, combining winter and frost resistance with disease resistance. The stems are oblong, the bush reaches up to 1 m in height. The foliage is elongated and pointed at the ends, and has a rich green color. The flowers are smallish white. It can be normally cultivated in the same place for up to 15 years in a row. Widely used in cooking. Cutting off the foliage is carried out in the second year of growing the plant, when a month has passed since the beginning of growth.

Monarch

A perennial variety with a spicy, pungent aroma and refreshing taste. The height of an adult plant bush can reach 1.5 m. The vegetative mass of plants is used as an ingredient in salads, as well as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes, drinks, and canned food for the winter. Plants retain their characteristic aroma even when dried. The first collection of green mass occurs on the 25-30th day after the resumption of active vegetation in the second year of the plant’s life.

Valkovsky

One of the very first varieties of tarragon of domestic selection, which is named after the scientist. The bush has a weak aroma. Unpretentious, easily adapts to various cultivation conditions. It is distinguished by its winter hardiness and resistance to various diseases. The flowers are small in size and whitish in color. The plants of the variety contain a certain amount of essential oil. In fresh form, it is used as an additive to meat dishes, salads, for pickling cucumbers and tomatoes, and for the production of cheese products. Has become widespread in folk medicine.

Valkovsky

French

A variety with a characteristic pleasant aroma and high taste. It is distinguished by increased cold resistance and resistance to diseases. The stems reach a height of 1.5 m and have dark green elongated foliage. During flowering, small white inflorescences are formed. Plants are used in the preparation of salads, meat dishes, cheeses, and pickles. The variety has high decorative properties, which explains its prevalence in landscape design. Up to 600 g of vegetative greenery is collected from one bush.

Herb tarragon (tarragon): properties and applications

Tarragon is a herb that has one of the most optimal chemical compositions for medicinal use. Often used in folk medicine. Thus, it contains phytoncides, which are used to prevent cancer and fight against the occurrence and spread of tumors. Other healing qualities of the plant include:

• Strengthening the skeletal system. Regular consumption of tarragon plant material allows you to saturate the human body with a sufficient amount of calcium to improve the condition of bone tissue. This property is especially important for patients suffering from arthrosis, arthritis, rheumatism and other similar diseases.
• Relieving anxiety and tension. Ingestion of decoctions helps fight against insomnia and neuroses, and the essential oil, which has a powerful aroma, is widely used in aromatherapy.
• Treatment of colds. Tarragon contains enzymes that can destroy bacteria and viruses. To do this, based on the plant, you can make decoctions or teas from dried herbs.
• Normalization of kidney function. Tarragon relieves the body of excess fluid and toxins, so it can be used to get rid of swelling.
• Relieving toothache. Chewing a leaf of the plant for a short time allows you to get rid of unpleasant pain.
• Improving the functioning of the reproductive system. The herb improves potency in men, and normalizes hormonal levels in women. The plant improves sexual health and gives strength, and also helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Strengthening the immune system. Teas and other drinks relieve seasonal depression, fatigue and prevent the risk of developing exhaustion.
• Improved appetite. The plant helps normalize digestive processes.
• Reduced blood pressure. This property has become widespread in the fight against varicose veins, thrombosis and hypertension.
• Use in cosmetology. Tarragon is characterized by the presence in its composition of special substances that improve the condition of the facial skin with dry epidermis, moisturize the hair and scalp.

Properties and application

Contraindications

Despite the obvious medicinal benefits of the plant in question, in some cases the use of it and products based on it may be strictly prohibited or limited. Such situations include ulcers or gastritis, as well as increased stomach acidity. During pregnancy and breastfeeding It is also recommended to refrain from consuming the plant.

Even in the absence of contraindications, you should not exceed the dosage of medications, and also combine their intake with the usual nutritional consumption of tarragon. Violation of these recommendations can provoke the following side symptoms:

• convulsions;
• vomiting;
• loss of consciousness;
• nausea.

Important! If these symptoms occur, you should immediately stop using tarragon and immediately seek help from qualified professionals.

Diseases and pests of tarragon

The most common disease found on tarragon is rust. This fungal disease most often manifests itself in overly thickened plantings, as well as where large amounts of nitrogenous nutrients are introduced. Disease spores can spread throughout the entire area in a short period of time and infect healthy plants. Without the necessary control measures, plant foliage soon withers and dries out. Treatment of the disease involves the use of appropriate fungicides. Preventive measures are as follows:

• follow generally accepted technology for cultivating plants, especially in terms of fertilizing and seeding rates;
• remove and burn plant residues in a timely manner;
• Weed and cut off the green part as necessary.

Among the harmful insects on crops, the most common are aphids, wireworms, and leafhoppers. You can get rid of the first pest using folk remedies alone. In this case, use infusions prepared on the basis of:

• green potato tops;
• onion peels;
• yarrow;
• tobacco

The harm caused by wireworms is damage to the root system. The insect poses a serious danger to young plants, while it does not cause significant damage to older specimens. Wireworms can be destroyed by liming the soil, as well as deep loosening it.

Penny leafhoppers

The greatest danger among leafhoppers in the European territory of Russia for tarragon is the pentail leafhopper. The insects get their name from the foamy liquid substance they secrete around themselves. Adult specimens of the pest and larvae cause harm to the foliage of the plant, sucking juices from it and making the leaves wrinkled and ugly. The risk of the appearance and spread of these pests can be reduced by timely removal of weeds, which are the initial place of appearance of leafhoppers. Affected foliage should be torn off and burned as soon as possible, and the plantings should be treated with special insecticides or fluff lime.

Note! It is necessary to resort to the use of chemicals only as a last resort, when all other methods have not shown the expected effectiveness.

Useful information about tarragon

Thanks to its spicy-pungent taste and remarkable aroma, the tarragon herb is used as a crop used for culinary purposes. In Central Asia and the countries of the Caucasus, salad varieties of tarragon are widely cultivated, and in Moldova and Ukraine, aromatic and spicy varieties are common. The plant can be added to preparations as a seasoning and an additional ingredient. In France, vinegar is made from tarragon.

For your information! The plant is used to prepare the carbonated drink Tarragon, known for its refreshing properties.

Tarragon is a herb that is of wide importance in agriculture as a fodder crop. The plants are well eaten by cattle as part of silage or hay.

The plant has wide significance for humans and is therefore recommended for cultivation in a cultural environment. If you have certain knowledge about caring for tarragon, its cultivation will not be particularly difficult and will allow you to form high-quality productive plantings. The grass looks impressive on the site, it can be eaten, and its smell can repel some harmful insects. Why not a great helper in the garden?!

The perennial herbaceous plant tarragon is known for its specific aroma. It is often used in cooking as a seasoning and for making drinks. It makes delicious lemonade. At the same time, tarragon is used as a medicinal raw material. In folk medicine, the herb traditionally serves as a remedy against worms and swelling. Its other names are tarragon, dragoon grass and tarragon wormwood.

Description

Tarragon, or in Latin Artemisia dracunculus, is a representative of the numerous genus Artemisia, family Asteraceae, or Asteraceae. The genus includes over 400 plant species, which are distributed exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tarragon is a herbaceous bushy perennial. Unlike its more famous “relative”, wormwood, which has a bitter taste and aroma, has a pleasant anise-like smell. The height of the plant reaches 120–150 cm. Its stems are erect, bare, and few in number. Painted in yellowish, brown colors. Tarragon branches closer to the top. The root system is very strong, well developed, woody.

The leaves of the plant are entire, alternate, devoid of stipules. They have a lanceolate, elongated shape. The edges of the leaf plates are smooth, their ends are pointed. Color varies from light green to dark green. Tarragon flowers appear in July and persist until early autumn. Inflorescences are racemose, small, spherical. Their shade varies from yellowish-white to light red. The fruits are oblong achenes. Ripen in October.

One of the features of tarragon wormwood is its ability to adapt to unfavorable conditions. climatic conditions. Its homeland is considered to be the dry steppes of southern and eastern Siberia and Mongolia. All she needs is warmth and a moderate amount of moisture. Therefore, wild tarragon is found in the south of European Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, the Far East, Central Asia, along the northern coast of Africa, and North America. The plant prefers steppes, saline and dry meadows. It can withstand droughts and frosts and bears fruit in alkaline soils.

Tarragon is cultivated everywhere due to its unpretentiousness. It feels comfortable both in the shade and in sunny areas.

Medicinal properties

Tarragon leaves have long been used by many peoples both as a flavoring additive to food and as a medicine. They contain the following components:

• carbohydrates – 45%;
• proteins – 25%;
• carotene – up to 15%;
• essential oils – up to 0.8% in wet weight;
• ascorbic acid – 0.19%.

Other substances that make up the plant: flavonoids and alkaloids, tannins and coumarins, vitamins A, C, B1 and B2, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron. Traces of alkaloids are found in the root system.

It is believed that the highest concentration of beneficial substances is contained in tarragon during the first three years of life. Then their number gradually decreases. Moreover, the lifespan of plants often exceeds 10 years.

The culture is valued not only for its pleasant aroma, but also for its ability to saturate the human body with vitamins. The aerial part contains carotene and ascorbic acid. They strengthen the body's immune defense, give strength and vigor.

Plant-based remedies help with depression and emotional stress.

Essential oils with a pleasant, spicy aroma are obtained from tarragon. They are used in the manufacture of men's and women's perfumes. Contains:

• sabinene;
• ocimene;
• phellandrene.

Application in medicine

People have known about the benefits of tarragon for a long time. It has found use in folk medicine for the treatment of toothache, swelling, neuroses, insomnia, headaches, lack of appetite and for the prevention of scurvy and vitamin deficiency. The leaves of the plant were prepared into medicinal teas, infusions and tinctures.

Tarragon-based recipes are also used in Tibetan medicine. In the east it is considered effective means against diseases of the bronchopulmonary system: tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis.

Tarragon is used for symptoms of scurvy and as a diuretic for swelling.

Teas and decoctions are prepared from tarragon wormwood. Fresh chopped branches are suitable for tea drinks. They are poured with boiling water, left for 15-20 minutes and filtered. Tarragon wormwood leaves are added to cups of freshly brewed black or green tea. When preparing decoctions, take dry herbs prepared in advance. It is also poured with boiling water, but left for a longer time - about an hour. Then filter and drink. When using, take into account the dosage and possible contraindications.

Tarragon essential oil helps with neuroses and sleep disorders. It is added to healing baths.

Contraindications

Tarragon is no exception among medicinal herbs and has its own contraindications. When used in moderation, the plant does not cause harm. For example, when adding a few leaves to tea or food as a healthy seasoning, no side effects usually does not occur. And with regular, uncontrolled use of decoction or homemade lemonade based on tarragon, unpleasant consequences are possible.

Excessive amounts of tarragon and drinks made from it are harmful if:

• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, ulcers;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• individual intolerance to tarragon, allergic reactions to the substances it contains.

Long-term uncontrolled use of tarragon wormwood is unsafe for health. Symptoms that indicate that use should be stopped:

• dizziness;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• loss of consciousness.

For children, tarragon is harmless, provided that the plant added to food and drinks is consumed in small quantities. In such cases, the properties of the herb are beneficial.

Women during lactation need to treat tarragon with caution. It can be included in the diet no earlier than the child turns 3 months old. Before this age digestive system The baby is not fully formed and may be vulnerable. The essential oils of the plant penetrate into mother's milk. They can cause discomfort in a child. To avoid harm to it, it is recommended to avoid eating tarragon. 3 months after the birth of the baby, the mother can begin to try drinks with tarragon or food with seasoning and at the same time monitor the baby’s reaction.

Blank

Tarragon herb is harvested for the preparation of medicines. If cultivated plants are used, they begin to be collected in the second year of life. During the first growing season, roots are formed.

Collection

The period of collecting raw materials begins at the beginning of flowering, when leaves and inflorescences appear, and continues until the time of fruiting. At this point, the plants have time to accumulate the maximum amount of nutrients. During one summer, collection can be carried out several times. You can also cut young tarragon leaves in the spring.

It is important to follow the following rule: you can cut the stems at a height of 12-15 cm above the ground or more.

The above-ground parts of tarragon can only be harvested in dry weather. Any conditions are suitable for collecting rhizomes. But this is done only in the fall. In this case, the grass is cut off completely, and some of the roots are left in the soil so that the plants can reproduce.

Drying

The rhizomes are washed. The leaves are tied in bunches and hung in a shaded, well-ventilated place. The roots are cut into circles and placed to dry in the sun or shade. Tarragon seeds are dried under the same conditions.

Well-dried leaves and flowers are easily ground into powder. The rhizomes become brittle, the fruits and seeds do not stick together.

Storage rules

You can store harvested tarragon in different ways: fresh or frozen in the refrigerator, dried. Freshly cut herbs can be placed in the refrigerator. This allows you to save everything beneficial features plants. As a rule, this is done with young leaves. They are wrapped in two layers: one is a damp cloth, the second is an airtight bag. The herb must be consumed within a week.

Another way to store tarragon in the refrigerator, thanks to which beneficial substances also remain in the raw material, is freezing. The raw materials are washed, the moisture is allowed to drain, wrapped in film and placed in the freezer.

Dried tarragon is poured into paper bags, glass jars or linen bags and left in a cool place, protected from dampness and direct sunlight. The shelf life is 3 years. The only condition is that there are no other medicinal herbs nearby, since tarragon is saturated with essential oils.

When using tarragon as food or as a medicinal product, you must remember that it should not be subjected to heat treatment for more than 2-3 minutes.

Conclusion

In Europe in the 17th century, the beneficial properties of an herb such as tarragon were actively studied. The plant was widely used in cooking. The herb has become most famous throughout the world as a seasoning.

They like to add spice to various dishes in France, Italy, Greece, and India. As for Russia, the first thing that comes to mind when they say “tarragon” is the well-known green lemonade, with a spicy and refreshing taste. This article will talk about tarragon or tarragon - what the difference is, how it is useful and what dishes the herb should be added to.

In contact with

Classmates

Nature has endowed the tarragon plant with not only excellent taste, but also truly healing properties. Otherwise, people would consider it an ordinary weed.

Compound

Tarragon, or tarragon, has a fairly high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as omega-3. True, you need to eat at least 100 g of it for this. In addition, ascorbic acid is present. Microelements include:

• iron;
• fluorine.

If we consider mineral elements, these will be:

• manganese;
• vanadium;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium.

Also present are proteins, phytosterols, fatty amino acids, glucose, pectin and sucrose.

This is what tarragon looks like

Benefits for women and men

• anthelmintic();
• antiviral;
• anti-inflammatory;
• painkillers.

Concerning female body, then this is why tarragon is useful: it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gonads, and also normalizes the menstrual cycle. To achieve this, you should drink an infusion of this plant once a day, and so on for five days. In addition, tarragon is actively used to treat cystitis.

Considering the beneficial properties of tarragon, the use of this herb is also widespread in cosmetology.

The plant especially works wonders on dry skin. Tarragon is included in compresses, masks, rinses and ointments, which can be prepared even at home. It is also very useful to freeze tarragon decoction. The resulting ice is used for washing. Tarragon saturates the epidermis with moisture and smoothes out fine wrinkles.

What is useful about tarragon herb for men is its natural vitamin and mineral complex. This plant does not have any special therapeutic effects, but it certainly will not be harmful.

Contraindications

Of course, the medicinal properties of tarragon are obvious, but there are also some contraindications, because of which it is best to avoid using the herb:

1. Apart from the benefits, if consumed excessively, this plant also causes harm to the body - convulsions appear, and nausea begins.
2. Loss of consciousness may occur.
3. Not only the beneficial properties, but also the contraindications of tarragon for women should be taken into account, especially for pregnant women, since there is a risk of miscarriage.
4. Tarragon is also contraindicated for nursing mothers (the baby may refuse breastfeeding, or he may develop any disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract).
5. The grass is harmful to those people who have been diagnosed with peptic ulcers or gastritis. And .
6. This list also includes possible allergic reactions.

What is it called differently?

Many people are interested in what other tarragon is called. As a rule, tarragon and tarragon - there is no difference between these names. This is the same plant.

Scientifically, the spice is called tarragon wormwood, in Latin – Artemísia dracúnculus. The word comes from the Greek, meaning “healthy.” A similar interpretation refers to all types of wormwood. But there is another explanation for this. The plant was named after the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis. It is also worth mentioning here Queen Artemisia, who, in order to honor the memory of her husband Mausoleum, built a mausoleum in Halicarnassus.

The plant also has the name dragoon grass. From the word "dracunculus", which means "little dragon". The herb tarragon received this name due to the way it looks. The shape of the leaves is very similar to a dragon's tongue, just as long and forked.

Also, the tarragon root itself bends like a snake. In addition, the grass can serve as a good antidote in the event of a bite from some species of these reptiles. So the herb can be called differently, besides, tarragon or tarragon - both names will be correct.

Using tarragon at home

Knowing the healing properties of the tarragon herb, the use of tarragon is especially widespread in cooking. The plant has a pungent, anise-like, spicy aroma. For this simple reason, it should be added to dishes very carefully so as not to interrupt the natural flavor.

At home, tarragon leaves are actively used. When fresh, they perfectly complement lemon sauce with hard-boiled eggs or homemade mayonnaise. The main thing is to finely chop the leaves.

It is also customary to add tarragon to Tatar steaks, omelettes with tomatoes, or to vegetable salads. This herb goes well with cauliflower, zucchini and ham. It is stewed together with carrots, and the use of dried tarragon is suitable for poultry or fish. Essentially this is a seasoning. Among other things, tarragon is used to make soft drinks, including lemonade.

The tarragon plant, especially if it is young, has its uses as a preservative. It is good for salting cucumbers, pickling tomatoes, mushrooms, canning peppers and sauerkraut.

Recipes

Having found out the beneficial properties of tarragon herb, you should now turn to some recipes:

French omelette

1. Three eggs are beaten with a whisk, then salt and a mixture of five peppers are added.
2. Cilantro and tarragon are chopped. There are two branches of each.
3. Then the greens should be added to the egg mixture.
4. In a frying pan, melt 15 g of butter until small bubbles form.
5. Next, the mixture is poured into the frying pan. She definitely needs to be stopped.
6. Until the omelette is completely cooked, remove the frying pan from the stove and carefully roll its contents into a tube.
7. The dish is placed on a plate and sprinkled with finely chopped chives on top.

Serving option

Baked zucchini salad

1. One head of garlic is cut in half lengthwise.
2. Cut zucchini into a thick layer (two pieces).
3. Mix everything with, add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place in the oven on a baking sheet along with.
5. Bake for twenty minutes. The oven should be preheated to 180 degrees.
6. The dish is cooling.
7. Refueling is being done. To do this, garlic cloves are squeezed out of the peel, crushed and mixed with one glass of yogurt, lemon juice and zest.
8. Salt and pepper are added to the dressing.
9. Zucchini is transferred to a container with dressing.
10. Tarragon leaves are added to the dish (one bunch is enough). They can be kneaded between your fingers.
11. Everything should be placed in the refrigerator for two to four hours.
12. Before placing the dish on the table, sprinkle it with chopped almonds. Ten purified nucleoli are enough for this.

Adzhapsandali

This wonderful dish of Georgian cuisine is prepared over an open fire, but the temptation is so great that you want to make it at home, on the stove.

1. Approximately four medium eggplants are cut into 4 pieces. It is best to leave the stalk. Then the vegetables should be sprinkled with salt and left for a while.
2. The vegetables will begin to release juice. In this case, they are rinsed cold water and wipe with a paper napkin. Eggplants should not absorb water.
3. Three medium ones are cut coarsely bell peppers. Finely cut one green chili, red onion into slices, and two carrots into cubes. Then you need to cut three tomatoes into four parts and crush six cloves of garlic.
4. You should prepare fresh herbs: parsley, red basil, cilantro (20 g each) and tarragon (6 g). In this case, only the leaves are torn off, and some of the greenery must be left to decorate the prepared dish.
5. Eggplants are fried in a frying pan. The fire must be strong. As soon as the crust appears golden brown, the vegetables are laid out from the frying pan onto a plate.
6. Now the carrots are fried over high heat. Sweet peppers and onions are then added to it. Fry for about three to four minutes and add tomatoes. The holding time is another two minutes.
7. Then hot pepper and garlic are added. The roast is salted and peppered. After this, turn the heat down and add the herbs. There is no need to stir.
8. Eggplants are laid out on top.
9. Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.
10. As soon as the dish is ready, sprinkle it with the remaining fresh herbs.

Classic ajapsandali recipe

Tea

Tarragon herb is also widely used as a tea. To enjoy tarragon tea, you can simply brew three or four small sprigs of this plant in boiling water, or try something more interesting. For example, tea with lemon and mint:

1. cleaned and cut into small cubes, then placed on the bottom of the kettle.
2. ½ lemon should be cut into slices, large, and added to the ginger root.
3. A bunch of tarragon is torn and placed in a teapot.
4. A small amount of mint and thyme leaves should be coarsely chopped and added to the rest of the ingredients. They can be used dry, in which case each seasoning should be added in a large spoon.
5. Boiling water is poured into the kettle.
6. You need to insist for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Where else you can use tarragon herb is to make a very tasty drink based on it:

1. The tarragon leaves should be covered with sugar (one spoon is enough) and poured with warm water (a small amount). Before this, the tarragon can be slightly mashed in order to squeeze out the juice.
2. The drink is infused for several hours.
3. The coarse stems are also brewed separately. They are infused for the same amount of time. You should get two infusions.
4. After this, both drinks must be mixed and strained. The color should be slightly green.
5. Then add lemon juice (use half a lemon for this), honey or sugar.
6. The drink is cooling.
7. Then it should be poured into glasses, add an ice cube and sparkling mineral water.
8. Finally, the drink is garnished with a fresh sprig of tarragon.

Tarragon can be used to make a refreshing lemonade

What does it look like in nature?

If anyone is curious what tarragon is, it is an ordinary herbaceous shrub that looks like wormwood. The stem of the shrub is thin, usually reaching a meter in height. The leaves are elongated, dark green in color, and have pointed tips. Their length ranges from two to eight centimeters.

The flowers are small, collected in narrow dense inflorescences, and have a pale yellow tint. The grass usually blooms in August.

How can it be used for medicinal purposes in folk medicine?

But that's not all where tarragon is used as a medicine.

You can rinse your mouth with tarragon decoction if you have a problem with your teeth. This procedure not only helps remove food debris, but can also help relieve swelling.

Useful video

A few more words about tarragon and the benefits it brings to the body:

Conclusion

1. Tarragon is very useful for women, as it helps normalize the menstrual cycle, and it is also often used for cosmetic purposes.
2. Due to the shape of the leaves, which resemble a dragon's tongue, it is called dragoon grass, the scientific name of the plant is Artemísia dracúnculus.
3. In cooking, tarragon is added to various dishes and salads, used for pickling and pickling cucumbers and tomatoes, and made into teas and soft drinks.

In contact with

Tarragon is a herb also known as tarragon. In our country, this plant is known, first of all, as the main component of a once popular soft drink. Tarragon belongs to the wormwood species, so its scientific name is “tarragon wormwood.”

Other names for the plant are:

• Artemisia dracunculus (lat.)
• Dragon, Bertram (German)
• tarragon, dragon on sagewort (English)
• estragon, dragan, herbe dragonne (French)

Appearance

Externally, tarragon is a little reminiscent of the familiar wormwood: it has a straight, long stem and characteristic elongated, narrow leaves without stems.

The height of the plant can reach one and a half meters. Tarragon blooms in late summer - early autumn. Its flowers are small, pale yellow, collected in small panicles.

Kinds

The following types of tarragon are distinguished:

• Russian– the flowers of this species are soft green, and the stem and leaves are more massive. Has a strong, rich aroma. It is consumed mainly fresh.
• French- a plant with a thin stem and small leaves. It has a light, piquant aroma, and therefore is valued by chefs more than other types.
• Ordinary is a large plant with irregularly shaped leaves. It is distinguished by a rather weak odor and bitter taste.

Where does it grow?

Tarragon is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. This herb grows in large quantities in the following countries:

• Mongolia;
• China;
• Pakistan;
• India;
• Mexico;
• Canada;
• Russia.

Preparation method

Tarragon begins to be harvested for the winter in August or September, after the first buds appear. The grass is cut at a distance of 10-12 cm from the ground. Cut grass can be tied into bunches, hung on hooks or ropes and left to dry in a dry, well-ventilated area.

True, many chefs claim that dried herbs quickly lose their taste and aroma, so they prefer to make vinegar based on it.

In order to prepare this unusual seasoning, you need:

• Place the collected herbs into bottles (one stem per container),
• Fill it with vinegar
• Place in a dark place.
• After two weeks, strain the vinegar and pour it into a clean container.

Characteristics

• hot-spicy taste;
• spicy, tart aroma;
• dark green color.

Nutritional value and calorie content

Nutritional value and calorie content of 100 grams of dry product

Chemical composition

Chemical composition 100 grams of dry product

Beneficial features

• strengthens the immune system;
• is a source of vitamin C and antioxidants;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• improves metabolism;
• enhances potency;
• normalizes the menstrual cycle;
• relieves stress and calms the nervous system;
• has an anthelmintic effect;
• relieves inflammation.

Contraindications

• consumption of excessively large doses may be accompanied by symptoms of acute poisoning: nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and convulsions;
• Tarragon is strictly forbidden to be consumed by pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage;
• people with peptic ulcers and gastritis are strictly advised to refrain from consuming it.

Oil

The essential oil obtained from tarragon retains its unique aroma, as well as all the beneficial properties of this plant. It is not recommended to use the oil in its pure form; it is better to dilute it with water or add it to other healing products.

Tarragon oil can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied to the skin for massage or to relieve inflammation. It helps fight muscle and joint pain, some types of allergies, constipation and slow metabolism.

Juice

Tarragon juice is less popular than the spice or essential oil, primarily because it cannot be stored for a long time. Since ancient times, the fresh juice of this plant has been added to strengthening and tonic drinks. Today it is used in the production of the carbonated soft drink Tarragon.

The juice of this medicinal herb can also be used for medicinal purposes, for example, to relieve inflammation of the gums, and also as a laxative and antipyretic.

Application

In cooking

• It is customary to add fresh leaves and stems to jars when canning vegetables, fruits, mushrooms and berries;
• using this spicy herb you can prepare savory sauces for meat and fish dishes and salad dressings;
• freshly picked tarragon can be added to vegetable salads;
• dried tarragon is used as a seasoning for meat, poultry, fish and a variety of soups;
• dried and crushed tarragon can be added to baked goods to give it a spicy aroma;
• Tarragon is often used to make homemade alcoholic drinks.

Recipes

• Add 0.5 kg of gherkins with 2 tbsp. salt and stir.
• Place the vegetables on a towel and hang over a deep container or sink for a couple of hours.
• Place a tarragon branch in a sterilized 3-liter jar, add gherkins as the next layer, then half a glass of cocktail onions and a clove of garlic, cut into 4 parts. Then add a little more tarragon, a few black peppercorns, a bay leaf and 3 cloves.
• Boil 3 cups of vinegar and pour it into the jar, leaving 1 cm to the lid. Roll up the jar and leave in a cool place for 3 weeks.

Homemade lemonade "Tarragon"

• Wash 200 g of fresh tarragon and tear into large pieces.
• Pour half a glass of chilled boiled water, add fresh juice of 1 lemon and 1 lime.
• Add 1 tbsp. sugar and mash with a rolling pin, pestle or mojito muddler (you can beat all the ingredients in a blender).
• Strain the juice and add 4 parts of water.
• Add sugar if necessary. Before serving, pour ice into glasses and add 1 tsp. honey and garnish with mint leaves.

In medicine

Tarragon can be used as an aid to combat the following types of ailments:

• acute respiratory diseases;
• pneumonia;
• tuberculosis;
• bronchitis;
• insomnia;
• menstrual irregularities;
• loss of appetite;
• toothache;
• headache;
• indigestion;
• vascular diseases;
• depression;
• overwork;
• impotence.

Tarragon essential oil, fresh plant juice, and various decoctions based on dried herbs are used for medicinal purposes.

When losing weight

Nutritionists often recommend using tarragon instead of salt for people suffering from various kidney and urinary tract diseases. In addition to the fact that it adds piquant, spicy notes to food, tarragon is able to remove excess fluid from the body.

Growing

Before planting, the soil should be fertilized, loosened and well moistened. Sprouts or seeds are placed in holes at a distance of no less than 0.5 m from each other. The seeds are lightly sprinkled with soil, and the seedlings are deepened by about 8 cm.

Tarragon should be watered approximately 2 times a week. Every 3 months it is necessary to feed the plant with fertilizer containing superphosphate, potassium sulfate and urea. When the grass reaches 20 cm in height, you can start cutting it and storing it for the winter.

Before cold weather, the stem is cut off, leaving 5-6 cm above the ground. You can dig the plant out of the ground, plant it in a pot and grow it at home as a houseplant.

Seeds

In your garden, tarragon can be grown directly from seeds. Seeds can be sown in the fall “under the snow” or in the spring.” The seedlings are planted after the snow melts and the ground begins to thaw.

In the Non-Black Earth Region, tarragon does not sprout from seeds, so you must first grow seedlings. To do this, the seeds are planted in containers at a distance of 5 centimeters from each other. The seedlings will be ready for planting in the ground in two months.

In markets and stores you can find seeds of various varieties.

• The Latin name for tarragon is Artemísia dracuncúlus. According to legend, the first word is associated with the name of the Greek goddess Artemis, and the second with the dragon. In Russia this plant is called “dragoon grass”, and in Poland “dragon wormwood”. Associations with a mythical creature arise due to the shape of the leaf, which resembles a forked dragon tongue.
• In ancient times, people chewed fresh tarragon leaves to freshen breath and relieve toothache.
• Leading perfumers use tarragon to create fragrances.
• Grilled meat lovers can use a tarragon brush to glaze the meat.

Watch the video of the TV show “Live Healthy!” - you will learn a lot of interesting things about the benefits and use of tarragon.

In the era Ancient Greece the use of tarragon and its veneration was associated with the cult of the goddess of the hunt. It was believed that the aromatic herb gave strength, increased the vigilance and reaction of a warrior. The ancient aristocracy ate young twigs to freshen their breath. The herb has a rich composition and a wide range of beneficial properties, so it is used in many areas of life from homeopathy and official medicine to cooking and cosmetology.

Composition and calorie content of tarragon

One can talk about the properties of a plant only after a thorough study of its composition and a detailed consideration of the effect of a complex of components on the functioning of internal organs and systems. Tarragon or tarragon is a spicy plant, a relative of the very useful wormwood. But unlike wormwood, it contains little bitterness and tastes rather sweet.

The leaves and stems of the plant contain:

• essential oils;
• coumarin;
• alkaloids;
• flavonoids;
• tannins.

The vitamin and mineral composition is presented:

• vitamin A and C;
• vitamins of group B, PP;
• potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, iodine.

Carotene and ascorbic acid in 100 g of fresh greens is up to 11%. Therefore, even in ancient times, tarragon was used to prevent scurvy. Today it is a significant source of vitamins valuable for the immune system.

The calorie content of tarragon greens is 25 kcal per 100 g. Dried herb has 295 kcal per 100 g.

What foods contain tarragon? This is the well-known Tarragon drink - green, aromatic and sweet. The plant extract is included in many homeopathic preparations. There are collections of spices and herbs for salads and meat dishes, which include dried tarragon.

Useful properties of the plant

The main value of the spicy plant tarragon is its high concentration of essential oil, ascorbic acid and carotene. The pulp from fresh leaves heals and disinfects shallow wounds and scratches well. And with regular consumption of greens, the deficiency of ascorbic acid is compensated and the immune system is strengthened.

The stimulating properties of tarragon allow it to be used to increase potency in men and libido in women. The plant has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels: it strengthens the walls, increases blood flow, and prevents strokes and heart attacks.

In homeopathy, the herb is included in remedies for the treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis, cystitis, tuberculosis, persistent runny nose and cough. Decoctions and tinctures of the plant are effective during viral epidemics. With the help of tarragon, you can cleanse the blood and improve its composition.

Use of tarragon for medicinal purposes

In folk medicine, decoctions, tinctures, and gruels for compresses are made from tarragon. Both individual leaves and whole branches are suitable for their preparation. You can use tarragon herb for the following diseases:

• dermatitis;
• insomnia, depression;
• varicose veins;
• bronchitis, pneumonia;
• stomatitis;
• neurosis;
• weak digestion.

In the absence of contraindications, tarragon as a spice can be used daily in small quantities. This will improve digestive function, stimulate metabolism and strengthen the immune system.

Medicinal decoction, tea

A decoction involves steeping dried herbs in boiling water. For 250-300 ml of boiled water, take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials. The broth is infused under a closed lid for 1 hour, filtered and consumed in the evening before bed. This decoction calms the nerves and relieves insomnia.

To treat neurosis, take 100 ml of the decoction 3 times a day between meals. The course of treatment is 14 days.

Tarragon is used in combination with black or green tea to improve digestion and increase appetite. To do this, brew 1 tsp in a teapot. tea and dried tarragon sprigs. Infuse the tea for 10 minutes. Drink 100-150 ml of the drink at one time.

Composition for compresses, lotions, ointments

The regenerating, antiseptic and soothing properties of tarragon allow it to be used for treating skin problems. For dermatitis and eczema, apply a cotton cloth soaked in a decoction of the plant to the irritated areas.

If you have varicose veins on your legs, fresh tarragon helps. 2 tbsp. l. crushed herbs, pour 400-500 ml of kefir, let stand for 15 minutes. The mass is applied to problem areas for 5-6 hours. To fix the healing mixture, use a bandage or gauze.

When treating stomatitis or inflammation of the gums at home, prepare a special ointment. To do this, add 20 g of crushed tarragon along with juice to 100 g of butter. The mass is placed in a water bath and heated for 15 minutes to combine the ingredients. The ointment is cooled to body temperature and lubricated on the gums 2-3 times a day until recovery.

Therapeutic bath

Dried tarragon is used to prepare a concentrated decoction for baths. On average, a bath requires 1 liter of decoction prepared from a liter of boiling water and 4 tbsp. l. tarragon. The broth is infused for 30 minutes, filtered and added to the bath.

Effect of tarragon bath:

• calms;
• normalizes sleep;
• cleanses the skin;
• stimulates metabolic processes;
• relieves headaches;
• heals small wounds.

Take a bath in the evening before bed. The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a week.

For problem skin prone to inflammation and acne, prepare ice cubes from fresh juice or decoction of tarragon to wipe the face.

Fresh juice is diluted in a 1:3 ratio with boiled water. The broth is frozen in its pure form. Use ice to wipe your face in the evening after removing makeup and in the morning after waking up.

Tonic tincture

This is a delicious drink that refreshes, gives energy, and quenches thirst in the heat. It is especially useful for hypertension. Tarragon tincture recipe:

• 1 l. pour water into an enamel pan;
• add 50 g of fresh tarragon sprigs, chopped with a knife;
• add juice 1 and zest, bring to a boil;
• cool to room temperature, add sugar to taste (3-4 tsp)

The tincture is stored in the refrigerator and drunk for 2 days, then a new portion is prepared.

Use in cooking

In Europe, the use of tarragon in cooking began in the 17th century. The French were the first to add herbs to main courses. Today, tarragon is part of the world-famous plant. The use of the plant has two features. Dried tarragon is suitable for hot dishes, and fresh tarragon for cold dishes. This is due to the special behavior of greens during heat treatment. Tarragon becomes bitter and can spoil the dish.

Most often the plant is used in cooking:

• sauces and salad dressings;
• marinades for lamb, beef, fish;
• flavored wine vinegar;
• drink "Tarragon".

The use of dried tarragon is important for meat dishes and soups. Georgians believe that tarragon perfectly complements the taste of lamb shish kebab, and Greeks - the taste of fish. When preparing soup, chopped spice sprigs are placed directly into the plate when serving. If you are preparing a salad dressing, the ideal combination would be salt, fresh tarragon, lemon juice and olive oil. If wine vinegar is used for dressing, its taste is enhanced with a bunch of tarragon thrown directly into the bottle for several days.

Fresh and dried herbs are used as a salt substitute, which is important for a salt-free diet or hypertension.

The widespread use of tarragon in cooking is due to its antimicrobial effect. Therefore, when salting and pickling cucumbers and other vegetables, use 1-2 sprigs of herbs. Tarragon also gives pickled mushrooms an unusual flavor. To obtain an aromatic tincture, place a bunch of fresh plant branches in a bottle of vodka. Vodka should steep for 3-4 weeks in a dark place.

In cooking, tarragon is used fresh, dried and prepared for future use. Young greens are cut coarsely with a knife, mixed with salt, placed in jars, twisted and stored in the refrigerator. In this form, in winter it is added to ready-made soups, salads or sauces.

Refreshing drink

You can also prepare the Tarragon drink at home. What is it made of? You will need 1 liter of mineral water (with or without carbonated water to choose from), 1 lemon and 50 g of fresh tarragon. Cooking instructions:

• chop the tarragon with a knife;
• squeeze juice from lemon;
• pour the ingredients with mineral water, leave for 2 hours;
• add sugar to taste.

Serve the drink in glasses with ice. For a richer and more interesting taste, lime, mint or lemon balm, kiwi, and sugar syrup are added to the classic ingredients. The longer the drink is steeped, the more aromatic and rich in taste it will be. You can leave Tarragon in the refrigerator overnight, and in the morning strain it and add sugar or sugar syrup.

Contraindications for tarragon

Any medicines with tarragon should not be taken for more than 1 month. There is a cumulative effect here, which can lead not to improvement, but to deterioration in well-being. The beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon are largely due to its composition and individual tolerance of the body.

Tarragon is contraindicated:

• pregnant women;
• people with gastritis and stomach ulcers;
• with increased stomach acidity;
• taking antidepressants.

In the presence of chronic diseases internal organs and constant intake medicines you need to consult a doctor.

The benefits and use of herbs, including tarragon, generally have a positive effect on health and well-being. This is the prevention of diseases of the digestive tract, cardiovascular system, and support for the functioning of nervous activity. A pinch of dried spice with a great aroma can prolong life and make it taste better!

Video about a folk remedy for vigor