In this unusual herb has several names.Sometimes it is said that the Dragon is wormwood, tarragon sometimes it is called, but the most commonly used name - tarragon.This is the name of the Syrian spread from Asia Minor around the Asian region and Russia.Habitat is very wide, this herb can be found in all regions of the northern continents.Homeland tarragon consider Siberia and Mongolia.In Russia, it grows almost everywhere.It prefers to settle on the southern slopes of the mountains and the well-lit forest edges.
Two types of tarragon
Tarragon - perennial herb, reaching half-meter height.The leaves are narrow elongated inflorescence in the form of baskets yellowish-green, gathered in panicles at the ends of branches.In nature, there are two forms of this herb, which are divided into grades.In Europe, the spread of the French was kind of tarragon.It has a strong smell and is more elegant in appearance.But almost no blooms and bears fruit.In Asia and Russia grows large, branching tarragon.It is more cold-resistant than its European congener, but the smell of his weaker.But it blooms in warm areas, even fruits.
store nutrients
as a cultivated plant, tarragon herb used in Western Europe since the 10th century.In Russia, widespread use began in the 18th century.Plant nature gave remarkable properties that make it useful for the human body.In particular, herbs tarragon contains:
- alkaloids having antibacterial properties;
- flavonoids contributing to activation of enzymes;
- essential oil, a sedative;
- carotene - enhances immunity;
- coumarin, strengthens capillaries;
- ascorbic acid, accelerates the absorption of iron.
tarragon grass has long been used in many cuisines of the world, but it is especially popular among the peoples of the Caucasus.
use in cooking
Due to the unusual smell and taste of tarragon as spice began to be added to food in antiquity.Used shoots collected during flowering and pre-dried.The taste of tarragon grass has a sharp, spicy flavor slightly.In the Caucasus and Central Asia are common lettuce varieties, while in Ukraine and Moldova is dominated by spicy and aromatic.Fresh green mass of grass used as a seasoning in pickling cucumbers and tomatoes.It is used for a variety of pickles.As spice tarragon used in Chinese cuisine for dishes of rice and boiled fish.It is used as an additive to sauces.It can be used to refine the taste of roast venison, lamb, pork.And tarragon - a plant that is used for making a tonic drink and some flavoring wines and liquors.
Medicinal
use tarragon herb found in folk medicine.It has long been observed that herbs tarragon effectively helps with scurvy, and edema.The plant also has medicinal properties such:
- strengthens blood vessels;
- tidies sleep;
- displays worms.
drink infusion of herbs for arthritis, cystitis, rheumatism, inflammation of the mouth is used as a rinse.As an external agent is used to treat scabies, eczema, burns.Use tarragon as a medicine should be in small quantities and only after consulting your doctor.
