TARRAGON, FRENCH
Artemisia dracunculus sativa

The true tarragon, which does not propagate by seeds. Dark green, shiny leaves posses distinctive flavour. Grows to 36". Requires light, well-drained soil in a sunny location. The piece de resistance of all culinary herbs. None has a more enticing and distinctive flavor; suggestive of anise or licorice, it is deeply satisfying to the palate. Essential in famous sauces such as bearnaise, hollandaise and mousseline, and adds a beguiling touch to omelettes, marinated meats and poultry stuffing. Try tarragon vinegar as a basis for salad dressings, or tarragon butter drenched over steamed vegetables.

French tarragon is a hardy perennial with a height of up to 3 feet and a spread of 18 inches. Tiny, insignificant yellow flower heads do not set viable seed except in very warm climates. The leaves are smooth dark green, long and narrow. Oil glands on the underside of the leaves, release a bitter-sweet, warm and peppery scent.

(Russian tarragon is a hardy perennial growing to 4 feet in height with a spread of 18 inches. The leaves are slightly coarser and green in color, their flavor negligible. This plant originates from Siberia, which explains why it is so hardy. Only the Russian variety produces viable seed. A lot of growers are propagating and selling it to the unsuspecting public as French tarragon.)