Tarragon, estragon, silky wormwood (Artemísia dracuncúlus) is a perennial of the genus Wormwood (Artemísia), of the Aster family (Asteraceae). Shoot apices were harvested and very carefully dried at low temperatures, in Ilovlinskiy district of Volgograd region in July 2015.
Tarragon contains ethereal oil, carotine, alcaloids, flavonoids, cumarin and ascorbic acid.
It is a well-known spice which increases gastric secretion, normalizes digestive and endocrine systems, in particular reproductive glands. It is used as a diuretic in traditional medecine.
Counterindications: pregnancy, acute forms of digestive and intestinal disorders.
Tarragon can be used as a spice as well as for making drinks like usual tea (use "pouring brewing method" - pouring boiling water through the leaves). Recommended proportion is 3 g of dried leaves to 100 ml of boiling water. Alternatively, for a single brew in a cup or a thermos: 1 - 2 g to 300 ml of boiling water.
The infusion is transparent, has a light yellowish colour, and a specific spicy pine and lemon scent. The taste is light and fresh, and a bit hot, with a long refreshing aftertaste.
