French Tarragon

The Secret Ingredient Your Summer Dishes Crave

Summer is the season for fresh, vibrant flavours, and there's no better way to enhance your dishes than with the unique taste of French tarragon - a herb that brings a touch of elegance and complexity to various cuisines. Whether you're planning to serve a light salad, creamy pasta, or a succulent salmon dish, a few sprigs of this aromatic herb can transform your meals into something extraordinary.

French Tarragon - A Unique Flavour Profile

Anise and Liquorice Notes

French tarragon is known for its delicate yet distinctive flavour profile, often described as a blend of anise and liquorice. This unique taste makes it a standout herb that can elevate simple and complex dishes. The anise-like essence of French tarragon adds a sweet, mildly spicy touch that can complement and enhance a variety of ingredients without overpowering them.

The liquorice undertones provide a refreshing finish that lingers on the palate, creating a harmonious balance that transforms the most straightforward recipes into gourmet experiences. This makes French tarragon an excellent choice for chefs and home cooks who seek to add depth and sophistication to their culinary creations. Moreover, French tarragon's ability to blend seamlessly with other herbs and spices makes it incredibly versatile.

It pairs beautifully with ingredients like lemon, garlic, and mustard, making it a staple in many classic recipes. For instance, its inclusion in Béarnaise sauce—a quintessential French accompaniment for steak—showcases how it can add complexity and richness to a dish. French tarragon's subtlety allows it to be used in delicate preparations such as infusing oils, salad dressings, vinegars, and even desserts.

Its unique flavour can elevate a simple herb butter to new heights or add an unexpected twist to a summer sorbet. The herb's sophisticated notes can also enhance the aromatic profile of cocktails, providing an elegant touch to refreshing summer drinks.

French Tarragon's Global Appeal

Don't be fooled by its French name. Tarragon is a true culinary chameleon at home, and it is used in cuisines across the globe.

• French Finesse In France, tarragon is used in classic dishes like Béarnaise sauce, adding a touch of magic to grilled meats and fish.

• Italian Inspiration Embrace the Mediterranean spirit by adding tarragon to creamy pasta dishes with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

• British Brilliance Elevate your next roast chicken with tarragon butter, or incorporate it into a refreshing summer salad.

Easy Summer Recipes Featuring French Tarragon

Tarragon Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced

• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved

• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp fresh French tarragon, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, and walnuts.

2. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, and tarragon in a separate bowl.

3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve chilled, either on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.

Creamy Tarragon Pasta with Grilled Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 300g pasta (penne or fusilli)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 courgette, sliced

• 1 yellow squash, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 cup double cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until tender and slightly charred.

3. In a large pan, heat the double cream over medium heat until it simmers.

4. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

5. Add the cooked pasta and grilled vegetables to the pan, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.

6. Stir in the chopped tarragon and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Lemon Dill and Tarragon Salmon with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.

3. Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.

4. Mix the softened butter, dill, and tarragon in a small bowl.

5. Spread the herb butter evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked and flakes easily with a fork.

7. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon slices and herbs if desired.

Try the recipe below to ignite your taste buds.

Tarragon and Lemon Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped tarragon, and parsley in a large bowl—season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, tossing to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavour.

3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and has a nice char on the outside.

5. Serve the chicken skewers hot, garnished with additional fresh tarragon and lemon wedges if desired. These skewers pair wonderfully with a light summer salad or grilled vegetables.

French Tarragon.The Secret Ingredient Your Summer Dishes Crave. Summary.

French tarragon is a versatile and flavourful herb that deserves a place in your summer kitchen. Its unique anise and liquorice notes can enhance various dishes, from salads and pasta to seafood. By experimenting with recipes and adding a few sprigs to your favourite meals, you'll discover how transformative French tarragon can be. Embrace this secret ingredient and watch your summer dishes come to life with vibrant, aromatic flavour.

Discover Fresh Tarragon at Pepperpot Herb Nursery

Experience the exceptional flavour of French tarragon by purchasing fresh plants directly from our nursery. Our carefully cultivated tarragon boasts the highest quality, ensuring you get the most aromatic and vibrant leaves for your culinary creations. Order French tarragon online and take the first step towards transforming your meals with this exquisite herb.