tarragon

noun

Etymology: Borrowed from Middle French targon (cf. modern estragon), from Medieval Latin tragonia, from Arabic طَرْخُون (ṭarḵūn), ultimately from Ancient Greek δρακόντιον (drakóntion, “dragonwort, Dracunculus vulgaris”), from δράκων (drákōn, “dragon, serpent”). Doublet of estragon.

1. A perennial herb, the wormwood species Artemisia dracunculus, from Europe and parts of Asia.
2. The leaves of this plant (either fresh, or preserved in a vinegar/oil mixture) used as a seasoning.

   “Herbs like tarragon are better preserved in vinegar, since tarragon loses its flavor when dried.”