May 2008
TARRAGON
(Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa)
French tarragon is the only true variety of tarragon, a name derived from the French word esdragon meaning "little dragon" which is probably a reference to the plant's serpentine root system. The plant is native to
Tarragon is not an ornamental plant, but is still a great herb to grow in the home garden with its mid-green, narrow, aromatic leaves. Ideally, it needs a warm summer, a mild winter and good soil that isn't too wet or dry. A perennial hardy to zone 4, tarragon prefers a sandy, well-drained soil and will do well in full sun or partial shade. It must be propagated by cuttings or divisions as it does not produce seed, which is good since it should be divided every 2-3 years to keep it vigorous and flavorful anyway. As a member of the Artemisia family, tarragon requires a dormant period during the winter, but does benefit from a 6 inch layer of mulch in the colder climates. Sprigs may be harvested anytime, but the main cuttings should be before a killing frost. Tarragon retains its best flavor when chopped and frozen fresh in ice cube trays or frozen whole in ziplock bags, but it can also be dried quickly on wire racks then stored in airtight containers.
With its unique flavor mix of licorice or anise with peppery hints, it is famous for how it flavors vinegars, but also has many other uses in the kitchen. It enhances fish, pork, beef, poultry, game, potatoes and most mainstream vegetables, goes well with lemons and oranges, can be used in cream sauces, herb butters, mustards and mayonnaise and can also be used in place of salt for people on salt-restricted diets. Use it sparingly however, since its flavor is strong and can dominate or overshadow other flavors. It also blends well with other herbs such as parsley, basil, thyme, chives and chervil. In addition, tarragon is a versatile herb that appears to contain preventative substances for some viruses, settles upset stomachs, eliminates worms in children, numbs a toothache and could help with insomnia as well as protect foodstuffs as an antioxidant.
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". . . I have given you all things even as the green herbs."
Genesis 9:3
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FRENCH HERBSCAPES
While the French climate is ideal for growing French herbs, there are many climates in the United States that are similar enough for successful growth. French herbs make a great addition to any vegetable garden since they are attractive and fragrant and attract beneficial insects such as bees, however they can also be planted together for ease in preparing meals and salads with the flavors and aromas of French cuisine. Great for cooking with bouquet garni, a bundle of herbs used to prepare soups and stews, Herbes de Provence or fines herbes blends and making your own Boursin-like cheese flavored with herbs, garlic and pepper. Many of these herbs can also be grown in container herbscapes on decks or patios which allow easy access from the kitchen.
basil marjoram
bay parsley
chervil rosemary
chicory winter savory
chives French sorrel
dill French tarragon
fennel thyme
lavender
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“ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”
Proverbs 31:30
********************************************* ********************************************* The Herbal Gourmet Shop MAY SPECIAL ********************************************* *********************************************
CALENDULA "Herb of the Year" May 17th 11am & 2pm
James Creek Gallery, Volant, PA Come and learn all about the
is now open
Thursdays from 12noon - 6pm
or by appointment
724-735-4055
FREE 4oz storage tin
with purchase of
Organic Herb Tea (Tisane) Blend
(Great gift for Mom!!)
many uses of Calendula
during the
Volant Village
Traveling Tea & Garden Party
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The Art of Tea
May 19th 6:30pm-7:30pm
Natural Options, 209 S Broad St, Grove City, PA
Come and learn all about the Art of Tea
from history to proper etiquette
plus taste teas & tisanes with scones
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
724-458-5522
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Faerie Tea Luncheon
at Alexandra’s Tea Room
Joyce Harris
The Herbal Gourmet
will present a program on
&
Alexandra’s Tea Room will coordinate the food
for
a fun-filled, educational, delicious and exciting afternoon
for adults and children of all ages
$22(plus tax) per person
including presentation,
special traditional tea luncheon and prizes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
724-274-4490
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SPRING CLASSES
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
with payment to:
The Herbal Gourmet
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED
SO MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY
Thurs, May 1st 6-8 pm $15.00
"LADIES NIGHT OUT"
Bring a friend to get pampered
plus make & take a pamper basket
filled with bath salts, soap,
and an aroma spray you create
for yourself or as a gift
Sat, May 10th 1-3 pm $15.00
INTERNATIONAL TEA-TIME
Spend a relaxing afternoon
learning tea customs around the world,
tasting teas and treats
plus receive a special memento
Thurs, May 15th 6-8 pm $15.00
SUMMERTIME HERB BLENDS
It’s all about the grill this season!
Make & take a fresh herb salt
& a B-B-Q blend to be used as a rub
plus an herbal mustard for sauce
Thurs, May 29th 6-8 pm $15.00
HYPERTUFA TROUGHS
Create your own special container
for year-round use in the garden or
on your patio and learn about
herb combinations to plant inside
to enjoy this summer
Sat, June 7th 1-3 pm $15.00
“HERB OF THE YEAR”
Tea-Time & Herb Exchange
Learn all about Calendula
taste a variety of foods made with it
plus bring & exchange an herb plant & recipe
Thurs, June 19th 6-8 pm $15.00
FAERIE RINGS
Learn all about faerie lore, their favorite plants
and proper fairie etiquette including
tasting some favorite fairie food & tea
plus make and take
a miniature faerie ring garden
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TEA-TIME PARTY
Gather 6-8 friends and host a FREE class in my home
to learn the skills needed to create your own tea party
using our specialty products
in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.
As hostess you will receive a FREE GIFT
plus everyone will receive 15% off their purchase!
Call 724-735-4055 or e-mail joyce@theherbalgourmet.com
for more information or to book your date!
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PRESENTATIONS
which include information, demonstrations & handouts
TEA TIME
PRESENTATIONS – informational tea talks with demonstration and tasting
of teas or tisanes
All about Tea & Tisane
Tea Customs around the World
Tea, Tisane & Health
The Art of Afternoon Tea/Tea Etiquette
The Uses of Tea – an overview of tea/tisane for beverage, cooking,
health and entertainment
THE USES OF HERBS
PRESENTATIONS – informational talks with accompanying
displays/demonstrations:
The Uses of Herbs – an overview of 12 herbs and their uses for
cooking, tea, aroma and health with display of numerous
herbal products
The Herbal Harvest
with demo of one herbal product
(examples: Mustard, Vinegar, Jelly, Salsa, etc.)
Edible Flowers
with demo of a flowering display tea
The Language of Herbs
with demo how to make a tussie mussie or potpourri
THE
PRESENTATION – informational talks with accompanying demonstrations:
The
planting, maintenance & harvest with demo of
how to plant seeds, take cuttings & divide perennials
Faerie Herbscape – herbs to attract faeries to your garden
with demo of how to plant a container faerie garden
Biblical Herbscape – herbs mentioned in the Bible and associated
with religion with demo of an herbal advent wreath
Container Herbscapes – herbs to combine in unique containers
for a specific purpose/theme with demo of a specialty
container garden
Contact us for additional information and fees
* Custom programs available upon request*
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LINKS TO FRIENDS
TEA
www.kacyhometeas.com
www.stillroomgifts.com
www.victorianladyofacademyhill.com
HERB PLANTS
HERB & TEA ASSOCIATIONS
www.midatlanticteabusinessassociation.org
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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