Comprehensive Guide: Harvesting, Distillation, and Factors Affecting the Quality of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
- Christi Taban
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18
1. Botanical Overview
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) is a perennial, herbaceous, aromatic plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to Central Asia and Siberia, it is now widely cultivated in various regions of Persia and beyond. Tarragon is valued for its:
Medicinal uses (especially for its essential oil),
Culinary use (fresh or dried leaves),
Industrial applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
2. Optimal Harvest Timing
⏰ Physiological Harvest Stage:
Tarragon can be harvested 2 to 3 times per year, depending on climate and cultivation practices. The best and most aromatic harvest is when the plant is in the pre-flowering stage, before entering full bloom.
In temperate regions of Persia , this period occurs from late June to mid-July.
In colder areas, the optimal time may be postponed until August.
🔍 Why pre-flowering stage?
At this stage, the highest concentrations of essential compounds such as estragole, ocimene, and limonene accumulate in the leaves.
Once flowering begins, the plant shifts its energy to seed production, reducing essential oil content.
3. Time of Day and Weather Conditions for Harvesting
Ideal harvesting time: Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
During these hours, evaporation of volatile oils is minimal, and oil concentration is highest.
Weather conditions:
Harvest should occur on dry, sunny days without dew or rainfall.
High humidity increases the risk of fermentation, mold growth, and lowers oil quality.
Foggy or rainy days are unsuitable for harvesting due to high surface moisture on leaves.
4. Harvesting Technique and Useful Plant Parts
✂️ Parts to be harvested:
Only aerial parts of the plant, including leaves, soft stems, and new shoots, should be collected.
Woody stems should be avoided, as they contain little to no essential oil and may lower the overall oil quality.
Harvesting methods:
Manual: Using a sickle or pruning shears.
Mechanical: With height-adjustable cutting machines, especially in large-scale farms.
5. Field Yield per Hectare
Harvest Type | Average Yield per Hectare |
Fresh Tarragon | 8–12 tons (during the first cut) |
Dried Tarragon | 2–3 tons |
Harvest Frequency | 2–3 times per year (with proper care) |
Yield depends on climate, irrigation, fertilization, and cultivar. French and Russian varieties are known for higher oil production.
6. Essential Oil Content and Yield
Tarragon's essential oil has a sweet, warm, and spicy aroma. Its primary compound is estragole (methyl chavicol), which can make up 60–70% of the oil volume.
Plant Material | Average Oil Yield |
100 kg fresh leaves | 200–600 grams (0.2–0.6%) |
1 ton fresh leaves | 2–6 kg essential oil |
Dried leaves | 0.8–1.2% oil yield |
Oil composition varies depending on growth stage, light, temperature, and plant genotype.
7. Industrial Distillation Method
Steam Distillation:
The most common and effective method of extracting tarragon essential oil is steam distillation.
Process Steps:
Loading the distillation tank with fresh (or semi-dried) tarragon leaves and stems.
Passing low-pressure steam (0.5 to 1 bar) from below the plant material.
The steam carrying volatile oils rises to the condenser, where it is cooled.
The resulting liquid (hydrosol + oil) flows into a separator tank.
The oil, being lighter than water, floats and is collected.
Technical Specifications:
Steam temperature: 98–105°C
Distillation time: 60 to 120 minutes
Plant-to-water ratio: 1:2 or 1:3, depending on leaf moisture
8. Effect of Arid Climate on Oil Quality
✅ In dry, warm, and sunny climates:
Higher concentration of key active compounds (especially estragole)
Lower risk of fungal contamination during post-harvest handling
Final oil is clearer, more stable, and has a stronger aroma
❌ In humid or rainy climates:
Reduced essential oil concentration in the leaves
Greater chance of fermentation and microbial contamination
Higher drying and processing costs with lower oil quality
9. Applications of Tarragon Essential Oil
Food industry: Flavoring in vinegars, pickles, sauces, beverages
Pharmaceuticals: Antispasmodic, antiflatulent, antifungal
Cosmetics: Perfumes, creams, and herbal cosmetics
Natural pesticides: In its concentrated form
10. Conclusion
Successful tarragon cultivation and oil production depend on a deep understanding of plant physiology, harvest timing, climate conditions, and distillation techniques. Dry, warm climates of Persia offer a natural advantage for producing high-quality tarragon essential oil. With proper management, tarragon can become one of the most valuable aromatic and medicinal crops in semi-arid regions
This article was researched and written by Galbanum Oil Fragrance
The use of this article is permitted by citing the source.
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