FROM SOOT’S SCRATCH & SNIFF HERB GARDEN
Mexican Tarragon – My New Garden Favorite
Sometimes the best garden discoveries happen completely by accident.
While putting together a little snack, I tucked a few sprigs I had just picked of fresh Mexican tarragon next to a piece of sharp cheddar. One bite later, I knew I’d found a new favorite pairing. The herb’s gentle notes of anise and sweet spice somehow make a good cheddar taste even better.
Despite its name, Mexican tarragon isn’t the same plant as French tarragon. It’s actually a teeny flowering marigold that absolutely loves sunshine and warm weather, making it wonderfully easy to grow in the summer garden. Mine below has been growing very well in a pot in our cool Pacific NW summer !
The flavor is milder than French tarragon, with delightful hints of licorice, basil, and citrus. Fresh leaves are delicious in egg dishes, salads, grilled chicken, fish, herb butters, vinegars, and creamy cheeses. It also plays beautifully with tomatoes, peaches, roasted vegetables, and sweet corn.
After my little cheese experiment, I couldn’t resist turning the combination into a simple spread that’s become a favorite for so many delicious foods including charcuterie boards, slathered on warm grilled corn or tucked inside a grilled cheese sandwich.
MEXICAN TARRAGON ORANGE CHEDDAR SPREAD
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Mexican tarragon
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove finely grated (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Directions
- Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle.
- Serve with crackers, crisp vegetables, toasted baguette slices, or spread onto hot grilled corn while it’s still steaming. It’s also wonderful in grilled cheese sandwiches or spooned onto baked potatoes.
- And if you can’t find Mexican Tarragon…no worries! Most grocery stores that carry fresh herbs have French Tarragon which is a perfect replacement! Enjoy!!
“Humans call it Mexican Tarragon. I call it ‘That green stuff in my Cheese.'”
This orange herb cheddar spread recipe is endlessly versatile and perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of your week, and you’ll have an elegant condiment ready for everything from appetizers to quick lunches. If you don’t have Mexican tarragon on hand, this orange herb cheddar spread recipe works beautifully with fresh tarragon, cilantro, or basil. Once you master the basic orange herb cheddar spread recipe, experiment with different cheese varieties and herb combinations to create your own signature version. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and watch it disappear from your kitchen.
Learn more about the Mexican tarragon plant and how it differs from its French cousin on Wikipedia.
