Tarragon

Scientific Name: Artemisia dracunculus L. Synonym: Artemisia dracunculus pursh. English Name: Tarragon Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Estragon Family: Asteraceae

 

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Leaves, Seeds, Flowers, Essential oil, Hydrosol
Cultivation mode: Wild collection/Cultivated
In manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Essential oil, Perfumery, Food, Spices, Creams, Shampoos, Lotions, Cleansing milk, Aromatherapy, Facial masks, Soft drinks, Alcoholic drinks
In food: Pickles, Salad seasoning, Soups, Pottage, Drinks, Breads

🌿 Industries That Use Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.)

Tarragon, also known as “estragon”, is a perennial aromatic herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Eurasia and widely cultivated in Europe, Iran, and North America. Known for its licorice-like flavor, Tarragon is valued across food, traditional medicine, perfumery, and wellness sectors.

It contains essential oils like estragole and methyl eugenol, along with flavonoids and coumarins.

1. Food & Culinary Industry

Tarragon is a cherished culinary herb, especially in French, Persian, Russian, and Central Asian cuisines.

Common Applications:

• As a seasoning for poultry, fish, sauces, and vinaigrettes

• A key herb in French “Fines Herbes” blends

• Used in Tarragon vinegar, mustards, and infused oils

• In Iran, used in pickles (torshi) and salad dressings

✅ Available as: fresh leaves, dried herb, oil extract, and flavored vinegar

2. Herbal & Traditional Medicine Industry

Estragon has a long history in folk medicine systems, particularly in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Russian herbalism.

Traditional Uses:

• Digestive stimulant (used to relieve bloating and flatulence)

• Appetite enhancer in decoctions or teas

• Mild sedative and calming agent

• Antimicrobial and antioxidant support

✅ Form: tisanes, capsules, essential oil (diluted), tinctures

3. Essential Oil & Aromatherapy Industry

Estragon essential oil is extracted via steam distillation and is used for its fresh, anise-like aroma.

Uses:

• Aromatherapy for mental clarity and nervous tension

• Formulated into muscle balms, massage oils, or respiratory blends

• Natural flavoring agent in some pharmaceutical syrups

⚠️ Note: Tarragon essential oil contains estragole, a compound that must be used in small, regulated doses due to safety concerns in high concentrations.

4. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Estragon’s antimicrobial and soothing properties make it useful in natural skin and oral care products.

Applications:

• Herbal toothpastes and mouthwashes

• Anti-bacterial facial mists or sprays

• Added to soaps and deodorants for its unique, green scent

5. Nutraceutical & Functional Beverage Industry

Modern formulations increasingly include tarragon extracts for digestive health and anti-inflammatory effects.

Applications:

• Blended into digestive teas, detox beverages, and elixirs

• Supplements for appetite and digestive toning

• Sometimes paired with Lemon Balm or Fennel seeds

6. Ethnic & Gourmet Export Market

Estragon is a key export herb for Iranian, Caucasian, and French markets.

Forms Exported:

• Dried whole leaves and cut herb

• Essential oil (bulk)

• Flavored vinegar or extracts

✅ Common in gourmet food chains, herbal shops, and Middle Eastern spice markets

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌱 Key Features of Estragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.)

• Part Used: Leaves and tender stems

• Taste/Aroma: Licorice-like, warm, slightly bitter

• Main Compounds: Estragole, methyl eugenol, coumarins, flavonoids

• Primary Actions: Carminative, appetite stimulant, nervine, aromatic

• Harvest Season: Spring through early summer

• Geographical Availability: Iran, France, Russia, Turkey, Central Asia

 

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES Persian Name: تَرخون/ Tarkhoon German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Estragon French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Estragon

 

HARVEST CALENDAR

 

 

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Dried Tarragon

Botanical Name: Artemisia dracunculus L.
Common Names: Tarragon, Estragon
Plant Part: Aerial parts (Leaves and Stems)
Form: Dried Whole or Crushed Herb

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🔬 Estimated Nutritional Composition per 100g (Dried)

Nutrient	Amount
Energy	295–300 kcal
Protein	22–24 g
Total Fat	7–8 g
Saturated Fat	1.9–2.1 g
Carbohydrates	50–55 g
Sugars	0.5–1 g
Dietary Fiber	7–9 g
Ash (Total Minerals)	12–14 g
Moisture	8–10%

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🌿 Mineral Content (approx.)

Mineral	Per 100g
Calcium (Ca)	1100–1300 mg
Iron (Fe)	30–33 mg
Magnesium (Mg)	340–370 mg
Potassium (K)	3000–3200 mg
Zinc (Zn)	3.5–4 mg
Manganese (Mn)	7–9 mg
Phosphorus (P)	110–130 mg

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🍊 Vitamin Content (approx.)

Vitamin	Per 100g
Vitamin A (RAE)	210–230 µg
Vitamin C	50–55 mg
Vitamin E (α-TE)	2.0–2.5 mg
Vitamin B6	2.0–2.3 mg
Folate (B9)	270–300 µg
Niacin (B3)	8–10 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	1.3–1.5 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.2–0.3 mg
Vitamin K (K1)	1400–1500 µg

🟢 Very rich in Vitamin K, Iron, and Potassium – excellent for heart and blood health when used in small quantities.

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🧪 Key Phytochemicals

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⚕️ Traditional & Culinary Uses

Use	Notes
Culinary	Popular in French cuisine (e.g., Béarnaise sauce), pickles, herbal vinegar
Medicinal (Herbal)	Mild digestive aid, appetite stimulant, menstrual regulator, mild antimicrobial
Aromatherapy	Leaves have aromatic, calming scent

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📦 Storage & Shelf Life

• Packaging: Keep in airtight containers, away from direct light and moisture

• Shelf Life: Up to 2 years when properly stored