French Tarragon, Unexpected in a Fruit Salad

Buying culinary herbs is best done after we do a little research. Why buy French Tarragon, specifically? Is “French” simply a descriptor, or does the name French Tarragon really indicate something special about the herb’s flavor profile?

Answer: the latter.

French Tarragon has a wonderful flavor that is reminiscent of anise, but different. It is by no means an overused herb in stateside cuisine, and when we do see Tarragon on an ingredient list, we may find that it lacks flavor. But French Tarragon does not lack flavor. It is delectable, and used in hearty dishes, it adds just the right touch to turn something simple into a dish with interesting dimensions. Am I talking crazy? No, because you probably know what I mean: Ever had a beef stew with just a hint of an herb that elevates it? That special touch, making the dish extra delicious, may well have been the addition of French Tarragon.

Growing and Caring for French Tarragon

Like most herbs, French Tarragon does well when grown in sandy soil with excellent drainage. It can get quite dry without taking notice, which is great for gardeners who are so busy in the kitchen, they may forget to water it from time to time. And using the herb, meaning plucking off plenty of leaves and cutting the stems, is very much desired. In fact, a harsh cut several times during summer actually makes the plant grow better.

Culinary Uses

While many say that Spanish Tarragon has a sweeter flavor profile, French Tarragon stands up to rich meats and hearty potato dishes. Warm new potatoes with an oil-and-vinegar dressing flavored with French Tarragon make an elegant side-dish/starch. If you don’t yet know the flavor of this herb very well, try it this summer in this, the simplest of warm potato salads. It’s a foodie’s delight: Even a foodie who has sampled almost every food flavoring under the sun will find this appealing, exciting… a taste sensation.

Tarragon is mainly considered an addition to savory dishes, and recipes for chicken salad and egg salad may find the name of this herb taking a prominent spot in ingredient lists. But my favorite use of French Tarragon is in a fruit salad… something as simple a grapes-only salad, or grapes and cherries or fresh peaches. You might also like it with green melon as a partner to the grapes. For all these salad options, I like green grapes best, cut in half for easy eating and elegance. I actually just made this grape salad, and I was planning to photograph the green-on-green beauty of it… but no, I ate the grapes right down to the bottom of the bowl, and alas..., no photo.

For this, make a simple syrup of either honey and water or sugar and water (1/3 honey or sugar, and 2/3 water), bring to a boil, add one splash (no more than 1/8 teaspoon) of champagne vinegar or white vinegar, and then, as the mixture cools, add Tarragon. The amount of this syrup you need, once boiled, is no more than 1/4 cup, as you'll simply use it to drizzle on the fruit. While you can chop the Tarragon, I prefer to use whole leaves of French Tarragon, freshly snipped from the plant. Let this light syrup chill, and then spoon it over the fruit. It’s a flavor sensation, for sure… and one that I find unusual and elegant.

The Look and the Health Benefits of French Tarragon

French Tarragon is attractive in the cook’s garden. From afar, it may look a little like Rosemary, though a closer look shows that its greenery is far, far softer to the touch. The leaves may, in fact, look like thick blades of grass emanating from the stems. A hint that what you are looking at is Tarragon is that light will often glow through the greenery… not the case for Rosemary, but definitely the case for Tarragon. French Tarragon grows upright, but you will keep it mounded and beautiful if you use it… and you WILL use it. Once you’ve added Tarragon to a pot roast, an egg dish, a chicken salad, or the fruit salad shared here… well, you’ll brainstorm new ways to use it, and use it often.

Tarragon is antioxidant-rich. As with any herb, consuming too much Tarragon is not the right move, especially for those with certain conditions. But if you eat a broad range of foods, and French Tarragon becomes the accompaniment to some, then you’ll know you are consuming an herb that is rich in Vitamins A and C, calcium (do you believe it?), and more. 

Résumer, French for "Summing Up"

Yes, buying herbs benefits from some research and knowledge development. But the best way to learn about herbs is to use them in cooking…. Use them and see what you think. Some will make your taste buds dance. Others won’t be your cup of tea, but that’s okay… just don’t add them to your tea but, use them, instead, as attractive annuals in the garden. French Tarragon is a great herb to try if it is new to you, and a great herb to plant if you already know that it appeals to you. I must say that it does appeal to me. I, in fact, have already added green grapes to my grocery list for tomorrow… that delicious fruit salad is still on my mind.

Bon appétit. Guten appetit. Buen provecho. Buon appetito. Enjoy!