Grass tarragon as a fragrant spice

Grass tarragon is a plant that belongs to the genus of wormwood. His homeland is Mongolia and Eastern Siberia. The first mention of this grass dates back to the thirteenth century in the works of the Arab botanist and doctor Ibn Baiter, who noted its medicinal properties, as well as the possibility of using juice in making beverages. Dragoon grass and tarragon are the names by which this plant is called tarragon. The grass, the photo of which is located below, is often found in wild species in the territory of Europe and Western America. Its long leaves are somewhat like tongues and have a pale green color. In the flowering period on the plant appear inflorescence, consisting of small flowers. Despite the external similarity with wormwood, tarhun has a pleasant aroma and is widely used in cooking, because it allows spicy taste almost any dish. The composition of tarragon is essential oil, due to which the plant has an unusual aroma and a pungent taste. Its leaves contain a large amount of vitamins A and C, as well as many other useful substances.

In this regard, the grass tarragon is widely used in folk medicine in the form of antihelminthic and antiscorbutic agents. Among other things, it has the ability to stimulate digestion and improve appetite. In Tibet, tarhun is used to combat lung diseases - bronchitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia.

Tarragon greens can be cut, starting from early spring, as soon as it grows. It is usually added to salads, side dishes, snacks and meat dishes. The plant, devoid of bitterness, has an excellent aroma, so it is often used for preserving vegetables, and is also added to vinegar. Tarhun is also widely used in dried form and suitable for many dishes. At the same time, it is recommended to add it at the very end of the cooking process, which will allow the plant not to lose its taste qualities. Grass tarragon is also an industrial crop that is grown in the production of mustard, cheese, beverages and, of course, spicy mixtures.

The plant is difficult to call fastidious in terms of cultivation, because you can do it even in your own garden. Grass tarragon is best developed in a sunny place with fertilized soil. Its reproduction can be carried out by cuttings, cuttings or dividing the bush. Tarhun is quite frost-hardy, but for successful wintering it is still recommended to cut it in autumn, leaving about 10 cm. Then cover the plant with dry leaves and lightly sprinkle with manure to the ground. In the early spring, young shoots of tarragon will appear. It should be noted that this herb can grow in the same place up to fifteen years.

Collection of young branches and leaves of the plant for the production of spices is carried out in the summer, before the beginning of its flowering, because it is at this time in their composition contains a very large amount of essential oil. Dry greens should be at a temperature not exceeding 35 ^о С, because otherwise it will lose its flavor. Then it is stored in a sealed container. It is impossible not to note the fact that in the form of spices can be used and fresh plant, which for winter is harvested by dry salting.