estragon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A perennial herb (Artemisia dracunculus): A plant native to Eurasia, cultivated for its aromatic leaves which are used as a culinary herb. It is also known as tarragon. 2. The fresh or dried leaves of this plant used as a seasoning: The narrow, pointed leaves have a distinctive, slightly bittersweet flavor reminiscent of anise and are a key ingredient in fines herbes and sauce béarnaise.
Usage Examples
- As a plant/herb:
- I planted estragon in my herb garden next to the thyme and rosemary.
- French estragon is considered superior to the Russian variety for culinary use.
- As a seasoning:
- The chicken dish was flavored with a delicate touch of estragon.
- Add a teaspoon of chopped fresh estragon to the vinaigrette.
Advanced Usage
- "Estragon vinegar": Vinegar that has been infused with the flavor of tarragon leaves, commonly used in salad dressings and sauces.
- The recipe calls for a splash of estragon vinegar to finish the sauce.
Variants and Related Words
- Tarragon: The more common English name for the same herb. "Estragon" is often used in culinary contexts influenced by French.
- French tarragon ( var. ): The preferred culinary variety, propagated by root division.
- Russian tarragon (): A hardier but less flavorful variety often grown from seed.
Synonyms
- Tarragon
- Herbe au dragon (French)
- Dragon herb (literal translation)
Related Phrases
- Fines herbes: A classic French mixture of fresh herbs, typically including estragon, chervil, parsley, and chives.
- The omelette was seasoned with a classic blend of fines herbes.
- Sauce béarnaise: A rich, emulsified butter sauce flavored with estragon, shallots, and vinegar.
- The steak was served with a perfect sauce béarnaise.
Noun
- fresh leaves (or leaves preserved in vinegar) used as seasoning
- aromatic perennial of southeastern Russia