Tarragon herb is a plant that belongs to the genus wormwood. Its homeland is Mongolia and Eastern Siberia. The first mention of this herb dates back to the thirteenth century in the works of the Arab botanist and physician Ibn Baiter, who noted its medicinal properties, as well as the possibility of using juice in the manufacture of drinks. Dragoon grass and tarragon are the names by which such a plant as tarragon is called. Grass, the photo of which is located below, is often found in wild form in Europe and West America. Its long leaves are somewhat reminiscent of tongues and have a pale green color. During flowering, inflorescences appear on the plant, consisting of small flowers. Despite the resemblance to wormwood, tarragon has a pleasant aroma and is widely used in cooking, as it allows you to give a spicy taste to almost any dish. Tarragon contains essential oil, due to which the plant has an unusual aroma and pungent taste. Its leaves contain a large amount of vitamins A and C, as well as many other useful substances.
In this regard, tarragon herb is widely used in folk medicine in the form of an anthelmintic and anti-zingotic agent. Among other things, it has the ability to stimulate digestion and improve appetite. In Tibet, tarragon is used to combat pulmonary diseases - bronchitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia.
Tarragon greens can be cut, starting in early spring, as soon as it grows. It is usually added to salads, side dishes, snacks and meat dishes. The plant, devoid of bitterness, has an excellent aroma, so it is often used in the preservation of vegetables, and is also added to vinegar. Tarragon is also widely used in dried form and is suitable for many dishes. At the same time, it is recommended to add it at the very end of the cooking process, which will allow the plant not to lose its taste. Tarragon herb is also an industrial crop that is grown in the production of mustard, cheeses, drinks and, of course, spicy mixtures.
The plant can hardly be called picky in terms of growing, because you can do this even in your own garden. Tarragon grass will best develop in a sunny place with fertilized soil. Its reproduction can be carried out by cuttings, layering or dividing the bush. The tarragon is quite frost-resistant, but for a successful wintering, it is still recommended to cut it in the fall, leaving about 10 cm. Then you should cover the plant with dry leaves and lightly sprinkle it with manure with the ground. In early spring, young tarragon shoots will appear. It should be noted that this grass can grow in the same place for up to fifteen years.
The collection of young branches and leaves of a plant for the manufacture of spices is carried out in the summer, before it begins to bloom, because it is at this time that they contain a very large amount of essential oil. The greens should be dried at a temperature not exceeding 35 ° C, because otherwise it will lose its aroma. Then it is saved in a sealed container. It should be noted that in the form of spice a fresh plant can also be used, which is prepared by dry salting for the winter.