9067. Tarragon

Nomenclature

Estragon.

Description and references

The dried leaves and flowering tops of the perennial herb, Artemisia dracunculus L., Compositae. Habit. Siberia, Caspian Sea region; cultivated in Western Europe. Yields up to 0.8% oil of tarragon. Constit. p-Allylanisole (estragole; methyl chavicol); ocimene; myrcene; phellandrene(?); p-methoxycinnamaldehyde.

Use

The herb for culinary purposes, the oil as flavoring agent in liqueurs, soups, sauces and salad dressings. In perfumery to improve the note of chypre type perfumes.