Post by Angaridatha on Feb 16, 2005 3:25:45 GMT -5
General Description
Tarragon is a small, shrubby herb, Artemisia dracunculus, in the sunflower family. Two species are cultivated, Russian and French. Leaves of the French variety are glossier and more pungent. Most commercial Tarragon comes from dried leaves of the French Tarragon plant.
Geographical Sources
Tarragon is native to southern Russia and western Asia. Today, its primary producer is France.
Taste and Aroma
Tarragon has a slightly bittersweet flavor and an aroma similar to anise.
History/Region of Origin
Tarragon, unlike many other herbs, was not used by ancient peoples. It was mentioned briefly in medieval writings as a pharmaceutical, but did not come into common use until the 16th century in England. It was brought to the United States in the early 19th century.
The botanical name, Artemisia, is derived from Artemis (Diana to the Romans), the Greek goddess of the forest and the hunt, daughter of Zeus and twin sister of Apollo. Artemis was an early feminist, not taking any nonsense from men. When Actaeon spied upon her bathing naked, Artemis responded by having him turned into a stag, whereupon his own hounds tore him to pieces. The image insinuates an unhappy fate for those who don't control their emotions.
Magical Uses
In the magical realm, tarragon is sacred to the feminine aspect of the Universe. The herb is used to invoke Lillith (allegedly Adam's first wife before Eve was created) and in kitchen magic induces tranquility and compassion amongst the guests. This is presumably contingent upon their being welcome in the first place.
Tarragon is a small, shrubby herb, Artemisia dracunculus, in the sunflower family. Two species are cultivated, Russian and French. Leaves of the French variety are glossier and more pungent. Most commercial Tarragon comes from dried leaves of the French Tarragon plant.
Geographical Sources
Tarragon is native to southern Russia and western Asia. Today, its primary producer is France.
Taste and Aroma
Tarragon has a slightly bittersweet flavor and an aroma similar to anise.
History/Region of Origin
Tarragon, unlike many other herbs, was not used by ancient peoples. It was mentioned briefly in medieval writings as a pharmaceutical, but did not come into common use until the 16th century in England. It was brought to the United States in the early 19th century.
The botanical name, Artemisia, is derived from Artemis (Diana to the Romans), the Greek goddess of the forest and the hunt, daughter of Zeus and twin sister of Apollo. Artemis was an early feminist, not taking any nonsense from men. When Actaeon spied upon her bathing naked, Artemis responded by having him turned into a stag, whereupon his own hounds tore him to pieces. The image insinuates an unhappy fate for those who don't control their emotions.
Magical Uses
In the magical realm, tarragon is sacred to the feminine aspect of the Universe. The herb is used to invoke Lillith (allegedly Adam's first wife before Eve was created) and in kitchen magic induces tranquility and compassion amongst the guests. This is presumably contingent upon their being welcome in the first place.