Tarragon is a spice that is particularly popular in French cuisine, but it will also be useful in Polish. This herb also has health benefits. Tarragon is easy to grow and succeeds both in gardens and on balconies. Find out how to grow tarragon.
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You can buy tarragon in any store in dried form, but it is also worth reaching for fresh. It is rarely sold in this form, but it can be cultivated without any problems. Even beginner gardeners will succeed, if only we take care of its basic needs. You don’t even need a garden to enjoy the taste and aroma of fresh tarragon. It also grows well in pots, on balconies.
Official name tarragon to bylica draganek the bylica estragon (Artemisia dracunculus), sometimes it can also be found under its English name tarragon. Native to Asia, it also grows in southern Europe. Sometimes a French variety with a more pronounced taste is distinguished, and a less aromatic one – the Russian one. It is a herbaceous plant, but the lower parts of its shoots turn woody. Tarragon has erect shoots that are not very densely covered with long, narrow and soft leaves. It can grow up to approx. 80 cm in height, although it is usually shorter, especially in pots. The flowers are inconspicuous, appearing on the tops of the shoots. Young shoots and leaves are used as spices and herbs.
Tarragon must be planted in sunny place. It should also be provided with relatively fertile and permeable soil, preferably with a reaction close to neutral. In pot cultivation, a substrate for herbs, which can be purchased at garden stores, will work. The pot should have a drainage hole. The fact that the soil is permeable, but not very light, is also important in the garden, because in a heavy and wet plant winters worse.
With care treatments it is necessary regular wateringso that the soil is slightly moist. This is especially important on balconies, because the substrate dries faster in pots. However, it cannot be wet. Dry tarragon quickly loses its firmness and its shoots lie down. However, if we do not dry it too much, it will quickly rise after watering. Because it needs more water than e.g. thyme or oregano, it is better to plant it separately, especially in pots. It is worth supplying it with biohumus or organic fertilizers intended for herbs. The addition of compost will work well in the garden.
Tarragon is perennial, but not fully frost-resistant. In winter, its above-ground parts dry up. In Polish conditions needs covering (it can be lined with e.g. fallen leaves). When growing on the balcony, you need to make sure that the pot does not freeze. New, green tarragon shoots should appear in early April.
Russian tarragon is especially suitable for cultivation from seed. The seeds are sown in March-April for seedlings at homeand plants can be transplanted to the garden or balcony in mid-May. However, in April-May, we can buy ready-made seedlings without much difficulty (they are available primarily in garden stores and markets, sometimes you can also find tarragon in pots in supermarkets).
Tarragon spreads easily and purchase of seedlings it’s a good investment. From there we can start cultivation. After that tarragon can be propagated by division. This is done in the spring.
Fresh tarragon shoots can be harvested throughout the season. Let’s cut them at a height of a few centimeters above the ground. This will cause the plant to branch out. Let’s not pluck the leaves alone! Tarragon can also be cut for drying – in early summer (but then it is better to use fresh) or in autumn. It is dried in an airy and shaded place. Twigs can be tied into small bundles and hung or laid flat.
Tarragon goes well with e.g. with fish and other meats and various sauces. It is worth adding it to pastes and other egg dishes. It also goes well with cheese spreads and many salads. It tastes great, e.g. with tomatoes and cucumbers. The taste of tarragon is quite delicate but spicy. Some people find a hint of anise in it, but when fresh, it also resembles French parsley. It is important not to cook fresh tarragon, as it loses its flavor when heated. It is added to dishes at the end of cooking. Tarragon is also recommended as a salt substitute, as well as an addition to marinades and pickles. You can also flavor vinegars, oils and mustards with it, or make a fragrant spread by adding it to butter.
Tarragon, like many spices, is a herb and has health benefits. Among other things, it improves digestion (it supports the secretion of bile and has diastolic properties). It also has a slight diuretic effect. It also has anti-atherosclerotic properties. Tarragon also has bactericidal, antiparasitic and fungicidal properties.
Take care of your garden with the necessary tools!
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