Tarragon (Dried)
Dried tarragon is an anise-scented herb very rich in iron, manganese, and potassium, carrying estragole and antioxidant flavonoids.
Nutrition · per ~2 g serving · ≈ a pinch
- Vitamin B60.05 mg3% DV
- Riboflavin0.03 mg2% DV
- Vitamin A84.0 iu2% DV
- Folate5.5 mcg1% DV
- Niacin0.18 mg1% DV
- Vitamin C1.0 mg1% DV
- Thiamin0.01 mg<1% DV
- Manganese0.16 mg7% DV
- Iron0.65 mg4% DV
- Calcium22.8 mg2% DV
- Magnesium6.9 mg2% DV
- Copper0.01 mg2% DV
- Potassium60.4 mg1% DV
- Zinc0.08 mg<1% DV
- Phosphorus6.3 mg<1% DV
- Selenium0.09 mcg<1% DV
- Sodium1.2 mg<1% DV
- Saturated Fat0.04 g
- Polyphenols~3.0 mg
Score · 95/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Manganese346% DV
- Iron179% DV
- Vitamin B6142% DV
- Riboflavin103% DV
- Calcium88% DV
Overview
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a slender perennial in the daisy family, native to Eurasia, whose name—'little dragon'—nods to its coiled, serpentine roots. French tarragon is the prized culinary variety, defining sauces like béarnaise and the herb blend fines herbes with its distinctive sweet, anise-like aroma. Dried tarragon is highly concentrated nutritionally: per 100 g it supplies roughly 295 kcal, 22.8 g protein (unusually high for an herb), 50 g carbohydrate (~7 g fiber), and an outstanding mineral profile led by ~32 mg iron, ~7.97 mg manganese—one of the richest food sources—plus ~1139 mg calcium, ~347 mg magnesium, ~3020 mg potassium, and ~0.68 mg copper. It also contributes vitamin C (~50 mg), vitamin A, and B-vitamins including folate and niacin. Tarragon's characteristic scent comes from estragole (methyl chavicol) in its volatile oil, accompanied by ocimene, capillin, and a suite of flavonoids and coumarins that provide antioxidant capacity. Some research highlights an extract of Russian tarragon for glucose-handling effects. As with all dried herbs, real-world culinary amounts are small, but tarragon's mineral density and aromatic phenolics make it a flavorful contributor to a nutrient-rich diet.
Health Benefits (4)
- Supplies iron and manganese for metabolism and oxygen transportmoderateRich iron supports hemoglobin synthesis while manganese serves as a cofactor for antioxidant superoxide dismutase and carbohydrate metabolism enzymes
- May support healthy blood sugar regulationlimitedCompounds in Artemisia dracunculus extracts have been shown in preliminary studies to enhance insulin signaling and glucose uptake
- Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activitymoderateFlavonoids, coumarins, and polyphenols scavenge reactive oxygen species and modulate inflammatory pathways
- Stimulates appetite and aids digestionlimitedAromatic volatile oils promote saliva and gastric secretions, traditionally used as a digestive and appetite stimulant
Food Pairings
- ·Pair with eggs and butter-based sauces because tarragon's estragole dissolves into fat and defines classic French preparations
- ·Combine with chicken and fish where its anise notes complement delicate proteins
- ·Use with vinegar to make tarragon vinegar, extracting its aromatic and antioxidant compounds for dressings
Practical Tips
- ·Add dried tarragon early enough to rehydrate in sauces but taste as you go—its anise punch builds quickly
- ·Pair sparingly with other strong herbs; tarragon's distinctive flavor is easily masked or clashing
- ·Store airtight and dark; the volatile estragole that gives tarragon its character fades within a year
Optimal Timing
Tarragon's minerals and bioactives have no time-of-day dependency and are best used consistently in cooking.
Culinary seasoning amounts are negligible in calories and fasting-compatible.
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other herbs & spices
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower tarragon (dried) is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
What people ask about tarragon (dried)
What is tarragon (dried)?
Tarragon (Dried) is classified as a herbs & spices. Dried tarragon is an anise-scented herb very rich in iron, manganese, and potassium, carrying estragole and antioxidant flavonoids.
Is tarragon (dried) healthy?
Tarragon (Dried) scores 95/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Iron, Vitamin B6. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Is tarragon (dried) high in protein?
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.5 g of protein (~1% of the 50 g daily value).
Is tarragon (dried) high in fiber?
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of fiber (~1% of the 28 g daily value).
Is tarragon (dried) keto-friendly?
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.9 g of net carbs (1 g total minus 0.1 g fiber).
When is the best time to eat tarragon (dried)?
Best any time of day. Tarragon's minerals and bioactives have no time-of-day dependency and are best used consistently in cooking.
How much tarragon (dried) should I eat?
A typical serving is around 2 g (~6 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating tarragon (dried) alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
What pairs well with tarragon (dried)?
Tarragon (Dried) pairs nicely with: Pair with eggs and butter-based sauces because tarragon's estragole dissolves into fat and defines classic French preparations; Combine with chicken and fish where its anise notes complement delicate proteins; Use with vinegar to make tarragon vinegar, extracting its aromatic and antioxidant compounds for dressings.
Supplements that mirror Tarragon (Dried)'s nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients tarragon (dried) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Tarragon (Dried)
These are the nutrients tarragon (dried)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.