Tarragon

What Does It Smell Like?

Tarragon smells like a verdant whisper—imagine the anise-tinged greenery you'd encounter brushing past fresh herb gardens, but softer, more refined than fennel. There's a subtle sweetness reminiscent of liquorice root, layered beneath a crisp, almost peppery herbaceousness. It's the aroma released when you crush fresh tarragon leaves between your fingers: simultaneously sharp and velvety, with whispers of green apple and white pepper. Not aggressively spicy, but gently warming.

Origin & History

Tarragon originates from Central Asia and southern Russia, though it flourished throughout medieval Europe. The essential oil derives from *Artemisia dracunculus*, extracted via steam distillation of the herb's leafy portions. Its French variety, cultivated since the 1500s, yields superior aromatic complexity. Most fragrance-grade tarragon is now synthetically created, particularly through synthesis of estragole (the dominant aromatic compound), making it more stable and cost-effective than volatile natural extracts.

In Perfumery

Tarragon functions as a green, spicy-herbal accent—a sophisticated bridge between leafy freshness and subtle warmth. Perfumers deploy it to add complexity and sophistication to compositions, preventing fragrances from feeling one-dimensional. It plays well with citrus, other herbs, and white florals, elevating compositions with understated culinary elegance rather than dominating the narrative.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 78 Fragrances