TARHON – Everything you need to know about Tarhon

Tarhon is a spice plant grown on limited areas. In recent years, the cultivation and marketing of tar on the plate are increasingly practiced. From this plant the young leaves and stems are used, which have a characteristic aroma and a sweet piper flavor. Dragoncello is used to flavor culinary preparations, as well as the cans of meat and vegetables. This plant also has therapeutic effects, as it contains volatile oils.

The dragonce is of two types. The one called French Tarhon, with the scientific name Artemisia Dracunculus Var. SativaIt is multiplied only by vegetative methods, i.e. for cuttings, marking or separation of the bush. The Russian Tarhon, on the other hand, has called scientifically Artemise Dracululculoidesmultiply for seedBut it doesn't have a specific aroma. The Russian Dragoncello plants are higher, form more vigorous bushes and are more resistant to low temperatures, compared to the French dragoncello.

Dragoncello is a perennial plant that can reach a height of 70-90 cm. It has a strong branched stem and develops in the form of a bush. It has small, glabrous, linear and flavored leaves. If flowers are formed, they are green and sterile.

What requirements does the dragoncend have towards the climate and soil?

Tarhon prefers sunny places, which help to form an intense flavor of the plant. However, it also supports partial shadow. It is not pretentious for the temperature, so it also resists low temperatures in winter. It can be grown in the garden, on the land and well drained. Excess water is harmful to the radical system of the plant. It can be planted on raised layers to improve drainage.

In order to obtain young shoots during the vegetation period, constant water must be administered in moderate quantities. The periods of pasta and high temperatures lead to the formation of lignified sprouts, which have a spicy flavor and are not suitable for consumption.

Tarhon plants need vegetative rest, which is induced by the lowering of temperatures. Therefore, in the case of plants grown in pots, they should be kept in a cool space for about two months.

How is Tarhon cultivated?

The Dragoncello can be planted in the garden, at a distance of 60-90 cm between the cuttings. It can also be grown in pots, in which case it is necessary to guarantee a fertile substrate, which has the water well.

The cure of the Dragoncello

Dragoncello plants are cut regularly, in order to stimulate the branching of the stems and maintain their height at 50-60 cm. To protect the roots during the cold season, it is advisable to apply a layer of mulch on the soil surface.

If the dragonce is grown in pots, it can be moved to the garden and buried the pot in the ground, to protect the plant in winter or to create the conditions for rest. In this way, the roots will be protected and the system will benefit from the optimal resting temperatures. Mulci also applies in this situation.

Spring removes interested and brown portions. Also remove the layer of mulch and incorporate into the ground or fertilizer balanced. Summer or collection are made, the cuts are made, to stimulate the formation of new shoots. If flowery stems appear, they should be removed.

How are they collected and Tarhon shop?

Portions of shoots of 15-20 cm in length can be collected, cut 10-12 cm from the soil surface. Dragoncello quickly loses its volatile oils, so it is not recommended to keep it in the dry state. Instead, it can be maintained in the freezer or prepared with vinegar and for temporary storage, it can be put in the refrigerator, in a closed package.