Ngaai hou (艾蒿) | tarragon | artemisia dracunculus
What is Ngaai hou (艾蒿) (Tarragon) – Ngaai hou (艾蒿) (Tarragon) is the Chinese name for Tarragon. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) or Ngaai hou (艾蒿) (Tarragon) is one of the great culinary herbs. It is a kitchen staple in French cuisine and fondly called the “King of Herbs”.
Its Latin name, dracunculus, means “little dragon” and is derived from the medieval belief that the shape of a plant reflected its uses (the Doctrine of Signatures).
It is known for its anise-like aroma and taste, which can easily overshadow flavours in a dish. The herb has a delicate, warm flavour and is many mild-flavoured dishes, such as chicken and fish dishes, asparagus, eggs, sauces and pickles.
Read more: Health Benefits of Ngaai hou (艾蒿) (Tarragon)
In Asian countries (Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, India), this species has long been used in traditional medicine. It has been used both in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and as an anaesthetic, hypnotic and anti-epileptic agent.