Mexican tarragon

Mexican tarragon is an aromatic herb with a warm, aniseed-like flavour reminiscent of French tarragon, but with its own lightly floral note. It is used to subtly perfume sauces, egg dishes and vegetables, and is especially pleasant in the kitchen when you want a gentle tarragon-like freshness.

Latin name: Tagetes lucida
Origin: Mexico and Central America
Plant family: Daisy family (Asteraceae)
Height: approx. 30–80 cm
Flowering period: summer to autumn
Lifespan: perennial (frost-tender, often grown as an annual)

Description

Mexican tarragon, also known as Mexican mint marigold, does not botanically belong to true tarragon (Artemisia), but to Tagetes, the same group as marigolds. The plant forms narrow, fresh green leaves on sturdy stems and flowers later in the season with small yellow blooms. The leaves contain aromatic oils that provide a recognisable aniseed- and tarragon-like fragrance, which makes the herb popular as a culinary alternative to tarragon, especially in warmer conditions where French tarragon can be more difficult to grow.

In the kitchen

Use Mexican tarragon when you want to add a light aniseed note to butter, cream, stock or vinaigrette. It pairs well with chicken, fish, eggs, green vegetables, sweetcorn, pumpkin and potatoes, and also works beautifully in a creamy sauce or with mushrooms. In warm preparations, add it preferably towards the end so the aroma remains fresh and clear. In cold applications, you can chop the leaves finely and let them infuse briefly in oil, vinegar or a dressing. The flavour is distinctive; start with a small amount and taste as you go.

In the herb garden

Mexican tarragon likes sun and warmth and grows well in well-drained soil that is not too wet. In a pot, it is easy to manage: water regularly, but allow the root ball to dry slightly in between. By trimming the tips often, the plant stays compact and continues to produce new, tender shoots. Harvest preferably just before or during flowering for the strongest aroma, and cut only what you need. In areas with night frosts, overwintering outdoors is difficult; move the potted plant to a sheltered, bright place in good time, or treat it as an annual and start again each spring.