How Much Dried Tarragon Equals Fresh: A Guide to Substituting Tarragon in Recipes

Tarragon is a popular herb commonly used in French cuisine, known for its anise-like flavor and aroma. While fresh tarragon is often preferred by chefs and home cooks, dried tarragon is a convenient alternative that can be used in a variety of dishes. If you’re wondering how much dried tarragon is equivalent to fresh, read on to learn more.

Key Facts

• Conversion ratio: When substituting dried tarragon for fresh tarragon, it is generally recommended to use a ratio of 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon for 1 tablespoon of fresh tarragon.
• Flavor difference: It’s important to note that dried tarragon has a more bitter taste than fresh tarragon. Therefore, dried tarragon should be used sparingly in recipes that call for fresh tarragon.
• Measuring fresh tarragon: A commercial “bunch of tarragon” usually weighs about one ounce and contains about 48 sprigs. An ounce of tarragon is about 7 tablespoons of loosely packed tarragon leaves or 2/3 cup of chopped tarragon leaves.

Conversion Ratio: How much dried tarragon is equal to fresh?

The conversion ratio for dried tarragon to fresh tarragon is usually 1:3. This means that for every 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon called for in a recipe, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh tarragon.

It’s important to note that the flavor of dried tarragon is more concentrated than fresh tarragon, so you may want to use less when substituting dried for fresh tarragon in a recipe. Also, dried tarragon can lose its potency over time, so it’s important to use fresh dried tarragon for the best flavor.

Using dried tarragon in recipes

Dried tarragon is a versatile herb that can add a unique flavor to a variety of dishes. It is a convenient alternative to fresh tarragon because it can be stored for longer periods of time and used in a variety of recipes. Here are some tips for using dried tarragon in your cooking.

Add to soups and stews

Dried tarragon is a great addition to soups and stews, as its intense flavor can help enhance the overall flavor of the dish. It pairs well with vegetables, chicken, fish and beef and can be used in both meat-based and vegetarian soups and stews.

Use in sauces and marinades

Dried Tarragon can be used to add flavor to sauces and marinades. It pairs well with mayonnaise, yogurt and sour cream, and can be used to make delicious salad dressings and dip recipes. It also adds a unique flavor to chicken, fish and beef marinades.

Enhance the flavor of eggs

Dried tarragon can be used to enhance the flavor of eggs. It pairs well with scrambled eggs, omelets and quiches, and can be used to add a unique flavor to egg salad and deviled egg recipes.

Use in baked goods

Dried Tarragon can be used to add a unique flavor to baked goods. It can be used in bread recipes, scone recipes and even cookie recipes. It pairs well with lemon and honey flavors and can add a unique twist to your favorite baked goods.

Use in vegetarian dishes

Dried Tarragon is a great addition to vegetarian dishes. It pairs well with vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms and zucchini and can be used to add flavor to vegetarian soups, stews and casseroles.

Storing Tarragon

Storing Fresh Tarragon

Fresh tarragon should be stored in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. To store fresh tarragon, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag or container. Make sure the tarragon is not crushed or bruised and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Fresh tarragon can last up to a week if stored properly.

Another way to store fresh tarragon is to freeze it. To freeze fresh tarragon, chop it into small pieces, place them in ice cube trays, and pour water or olive oil over them. Once frozen, tarragon cubes can be stored in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to six months. Frozen tarragon can be used in recipes that call for fresh tarragon, but it may not have the same texture as fresh tarragon.

Storing Dried Tarragon

Dried tarragon should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. The container should be made of glass or metal and have a tight-fitting lid to keep moisture out. Dried tarragon can last up to a year when stored properly, although its flavor may begin to deteriorate after six months.

When using dried tarragon, it’s important to use fresh dried tarragon for the best flavor. Dried tarragon can lose its potency over time, especially if exposed to air or moisture. To check if your dried tarragon is still fresh, rub a small amount between your fingers and smell it. If it has a strong aroma, it is still fresh. If it has a weak or no aroma, it may have lost some of its flavor.

Conclusion

The conversion ratio for dried tarragon to fresh tarragon is typically 1:3. While fresh tarragon is often preferred by chefs and home cooks, dried tarragon is a convenient alternative that can be used in a variety of dishes. When using dried tarragon, it’s important to remember that it’s stronger than fresh, and to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful. Whether you use fresh or dried tarragon, it can add a unique flavor to a variety of dishes and is a great addition to any kitchen.

FAQs

How much dried tarragon equals fresh?

Since dried tarragon is more potent ( strong tasting ) use it sparingly when substituting for fresh tarragon. As a general rule with tarragon, I start with ½ teaspoon of dried tarragon for every tablespoon of fresh tarragon that a recipe calls for. Taste and adjust while cooking.

What is the dried equivalent of 1/4 cup fresh tarragon?

When replacing fresh tarragon with dried tarragon, a commonly used ratio is 1 teaspoon of dried for each tablespoon of fresh called for in the recipe. Another replacement option is Fines Herbes which is a commercial blend of parsley, tarragon, chives and chervil.

Can you substitute fresh tarragon for dried tarragon?

The Spruce Eats shares that dried tarragon can be substituted for fresh: 1 teaspoon of dried for every tablespoon of fresh that’s called for in the recipe. However, because tarragon’s flavor loses so much complexity in the drying process, many chefs won’t use the herb at all unless they can get fresh leaves.

Is dried tarragon as good as fresh?

Dried tarragon is indeed inferior to the fresh one in terms of flavor. At the same time, it is much better at keeping its taste in harsh conditions. That means dried tarragon will taste the same even after you’ve stored it for months or cooked it slowly for hours.

How much dried tarragon is a sprig?

about 1/2 teaspoon

A. A sprig is generally defined as a 2- to 4-inch piece of the herb plant. You can substitute about 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb for a sprig; however, be sure to read the recipe before you decide to substitute.

When substituting dried herbs for fresh What is the ratio?

When cooking with herbs, there is a general rule of thumb to keep in mind regarding the ratio of fresh to dry: Because dried herbs are often more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less. That means the correct ratio is one tablespoon of fresh herbs to one teaspoon of dried herbs.

How do you convert fresh spices to dried?

Use this easy formula as a fresh-to-dried herb converter: 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs. In other words, use three times as much fresh herbs when the recipe calls for dried and 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs when the recipe calls for fresh.

What can I substitute for fresh tarragon?

Fresh basil

Fresh basil (for fresh tarragon)
The best fresh tarragon substitute? Fresh basil. Basil also has a vaguely anise / licorice flavor on the finish, and is bright green and herbaceous like tarragon. You can use it in a 1:1 substitution, just make sure to thinly slice the basil mimic the thin tarragon leaves.

How much is a sprig of tarragon?

A sprig of thyme, tarragon, or rosemary is 3 inches long or slightly less. A sprig of parsley could be just one solitary leaflet. Chives, garlic, and dill can be cut or chopped to make the customary teaspoon or tablespoonful.