Tarragon is a popular herb used in cooking, especially French cuisine. However, it can be surprisingly difficult to find tarragon in grocery stores or markets. There are a few reasons why tarragon may not be readily available.
Tarragon’s Delicate Nature
Tarragon has a delicate nature and is difficult to grow on a mass scale. Unlike hardier herbs like thyme, oregano and rosemary, tarragon plants are fragile and require very specific conditions to thrive. Tarragon does not transplant well, so it can be challenging for large producers to grow and harvest substantial amounts of tarragon. This makes it harder to consistently stock tarragon in stores compared to more robust herbs.
Popularity and Seasonality
While tarragon is a common ingredient in recipes, it does not have the mainstream popularity of herbs like basil, cilantro or parsley. So there is less overall consumer demand for tarragon. Additionally, tarragon is a summer herb with a relatively short season. It is usually only fresh and abundant for a couple months out of the year. During winter months, it is more difficult to source fresh tarragon. This fluctuating availability also makes it trickier for retailers to keep tarragon consistently in stock.
Limited Growing Regions
Tarragon thrives best in temperate climates with cool, dry summers. This restricts ideal growing regions largely to certain parts of Eurasia and North America. Tarragon does not grow well in hot, humid environments. The limited geographical areas conducive to tarragon cultivation reduces the global supply. Compare this to a ubiquitous herb like basil that can grow in most warm regions. The finicky nature of tarragon makes large-scale production more of a challenge.
Why Grocery Stores Often Lack Tarragon
Several factors related to modern food retail contribute to the absence of tarragon in many grocery settings:
Supply Chain Complexities
Large chain grocers rely on complex global supply chains to source herbs and other produce year-round. But tarragon’s growing limitations and seasonality make it less suitable for massive industrial farming and lengthy international distribution chains. This makes it harder for huge retailers to source consistent, stable supplies of fresh tarragon.
Focus on Turnover
Big supermarkets favor high-turnover staple herbs with long shelf lives like cilantro, dill and rosemary. Slow-selling specialty herbs like tarragon take up shelf space and spoil more quickly. For efficiency, grocers prioritize re-stocking common essentials over niche herbs.
Regional Differences
Tarragon use varies by regional cuisine. It is an essential herb in French cooking but less integral to other traditions. Grocery stock reflects local demand. Stores in areas with more French influence may stock tarragon more regularly than other regions.
Perceptions of Exoticism
Tarragon has an aura of exoticism and scarcity for many shoppers. Some assume it must be specially sourced from Europe. But it also grows in the U.S. While tarragon has limited growing range, perceptions exaggerate its rarity. Grocer assumptions about low demand become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Where to Find Tarragon
Despite its absence in big chain grocers, tarragon can be sourced through the following avenues:
Specialty Grocers
Smaller gourmet grocers and health food stores are better options for fresh tarragon. Their focus on niche, specialty ingredients means more effort to source herbs like tarragon. Availability may still fluctuate, but the chances are better.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are ideal for finding fresh tarragon in season. Seek out stands carrying culinary herbs from local farms. These small growers are more likely to provide small-batch seasonal tarragon.
Ethnic Markets
In areas with more European immigrant communities, ethnic groceries and delis may stock fresh tarragon more regularly. Especially visit French, Armenian or Russian markets.
Grow Your Own
Gardening tarragon at home is an option in temperate regions if you use tarragon frequently. Tarragon can thrive in pots as well as gardens. Growing a few plants means fresh tarragon all summer.
Dried, Frozen and Preserved Tarragon
When fresh tarragon is not available, substitutes include:
- Dried tarragon – Most supermarkets carry dried tarragon in the spice section
- Frozen tarragon – Available at some specialty stores
- Tarragon vinegar infused with flavor
- Tarragon oil captures the essence in a concentrated form
- Tarragon butter mixing dried tarragon into butter
These products offer more convenient ways to enjoy tarragon year-round even when fresh is not in season.
How Much Tarragon Do You Really Need?
When tarragon is missing from supermarket shelves, it prompts the question – how essential is this herb anyway? A reality check on how much tarragon is truly needed for home cooking:
| Cuisine | Tarragon Use | Amount Needed |
|---|---|---|
| French cooking | Very common | 2-4 sprigs per week |
| American cooking | Moderate use | 1-2 sprigs per month |
| Italian, Indian, etc. | Rarely used | Less than 1 sprig per month |
For most households that don’t cook French cuisine regularly, just a small amount of tarragon is needed. Dried tarragon or other preserved forms can supply this modest need.
Typical Tarragon Use at Home
In a typical American home kitchen, tarragon is sparingly used for recipes like:
- Chicken or fish dishes
- Salad dressings and marinades
- Herb butters
- Tarragon vinegar
- Infrequent French recipes
A few sprigs of tarragon every month or two is sufficient for these periodic uses. Tarragon does not need to be purchased weekly.
Substitutes Provide Similar Flavor
Tarragon has a licorice-anise flavor profile. For recipes calling for tarragon, possible flavor substitutes include:
Dried Tarragon
Dried tarragon has a concentrated flavor so use half the amount called for fresh. It lacks the green freshness but provides authentic tarragon taste.
Other Licorice-Flavored Herbs
- Chervil
- Sweet fennel
- Anise
These all contain anethole, the compound giving tarragon its licorice notes. Use about the same amount as fresh tarragon.
Artemisia Herbs
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Basil
The aroma of these herbs hints at tarragon. Use a bit more than the tarragon amount.
Acidic Ingredients
Tarragon’s flavor comes through well when paired with acids. A dash of lemon juice or vinegar adds needed brightness.
Conclusion
Tarragon may be frustratingly absent from grocery store shelves, but alternatives exist for determined home chefs. A few sprigs of fresh tarragon can be sourced seasonally from farmers markets or grown at home. Dried and preserved forms are more widely available. And other herbs can mimic tarragon’s anise flavor in a pinch. With resourcefulness, tarragon’s allure in the kitchen can still be enjoyed.