Dill vs Tarragon: Complete Comparison Guide for Perfect Cooking

If you're searching for the key differences between dill and tarragon, you've come to the right place. These two herbs have distinct flavors and culinary uses that can make or break your dishes. Here's a clear comparison of their taste profiles, best uses, storage methods, and substitutes to help you choose the right herb for any recipe.

Feature	Dill	Tarragon
Flavor Profile	Fresh, grassy, citrusy, slight licorice note	Sweet, herbal, distinct anise-like, earthy finish
Aroma	Lemony, bright, herbaceous	Earthy, slightly peppery, reminiscent of fennel
Best Used In	Pickling, fish dishes, salads, yogurt sauces	Eggs, creamy sauces, vinegar infusions, chicken
Key Ingredient	Dill weed (primary form used)	French tarragon (superior to Russian variety)

What's the Flavor Difference Between Dill and Tarragon?

Dill delivers a fresh, grassy profile with bright citrus notes and subtle licorice undertones, making it ideal for summer dishes. Tarragon offers a sweeter, more complex flavor with pronounced anise notes and an earthy finish, lending itself to richer, French-inspired preparations. While both have herbal characteristics, dill leans citrusy and light, whereas tarragon provides warmth and depth.

How to Use Dill and Tarragon in Cooking

Using Dill

• Pickles and Sauces: Dill is a star in pickling. Add fresh sprigs to jars of cucumbers or fermentations for a zesty punch.
• Seafood Pairings: Try it with salmon, trout, or shrimp — especially when paired with sour cream or yogurt-based sauces.
• Cool Salads: Fresh dill adds brightness to potato salad, cucumber salad, or Greek-style grain bowls.

Using Tarragon

• Creamy Dishes: A must-have in béarnaise sauce and classic egg dishes like eggs Benedict.
• Vinegar Infusions: Make tarragon vinegar by steeping the leaves in white wine or apple cider vinegar.
• Meat & Poultry: Use sparingly in marinades for chicken or rabbit. Its subtle sweetness complements grilled meats beautifully.

Storage Tips: Keep Them Fresh Longer

Storing Fresh Herbs

• Dill: Place stems in a glass of water, loosely cover with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. Alternatively, wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a sealed container.
• Tarragon: Wrap in a dry paper towel and place in a ziplock bag. Store in fridge crisper. Do NOT wash until ready to use (it promotes mold).

Freezing Herbs

• Chop dill or tarragon finely and mix with olive oil before freezing in ice cube trays. Pop out cubes as needed for soups, sauces, or sautéed dishes.
• Alternatively, freeze whole sprigs in vacuum-sealed bags. They'll retain flavor even after months in the freezer.

When You Need a Substitute: What Works Best?

If You Lack	Best Substitutes	Notes
Dill	Fennel fronds, parsley, basil, or caraway seeds	Fennel gives a similar licorice kick. Parsley lacks dill's zest, so add lemon juice for balance.
Tarragon	Basil (Thai), oregano, marjoram, or chervil	Thai basil comes closest in flavor. Chervil is a mild alternative used in French cuisine.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Quality

Fresh Herbs

• Color: Bright green, no brown spots or wilting.
• Smell: Strong, clean aroma without any mustiness.
• Source: Local farmer's markets often have the freshest picks. Look for organic options if available.

Dried Herbs

• Brand: Choose trusted brands like Simply Organic, Frontier Co-op, or Penzeys Spices.
• Packaging: Opaque containers help preserve potency. Avoid clear plastic jars exposed to light.
• Expiration: Check for freshness date. Most dried herbs last about 1–3 years, depending on storage.

Quick Hacks for Everyday Use

• Mix with Butter: Mash softened butter with chopped dill or tarragon for a quick compound butter — perfect on toast or steamed veggies.
• Infuse Oil: Add either herb to olive oil and let sit overnight. Strain and use for drizzling over roasted potatoes or pasta.
• Zap It: For dried herbs, briefly toast in a dry pan to release more flavor before adding to dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main flavor difference between dill and tarragon?

Dill has a fresh, grassy profile with citrus and mild licorice undertones, ideal for summer dishes. Tarragon offers a sweeter flavor with distinct anise notes and earthy finish, perfect for French cuisine. Dill works best in light preparations while tarragon enhances richer sauces.

Can I substitute dill for tarragon in béarnaise sauce?

No, dill won't work as a substitute in béarnaise sauce. The sauce requires tarragon's specific anise-like flavor to balance the richness. Use chervil or tarragon extract instead if you lack tarragon, as dill's citrus profile would clash with the sauce's traditional flavor.

How long do fresh dill and tarragon last in the refrigerator?

Fresh dill lasts 5-7 days stored upright in water with loose plastic cover. Tarragon lasts 7-10 days when wrapped in dry paper towel inside sealed container. Never wash before storage. For longer preservation, freeze in oil cubes as described in storage tips.

Which herb works better with fish dishes?

Dill is superior for most fish, especially salmon and shellfish, as its citrus notes complement delicate flavors. Tarragon can work with richer fish like tuna in creamy sauces but use sparingly. For grilled or baked fish, dill is almost always the better match due to its lighter profile.

Why does my tarragon taste like licorice while dill doesn't?

Tarragon contains estragole (found in star anise) creating pronounced licorice notes. Dill has much lower levels of this compound, so its licorice note is subtle and balanced by citrus elements. Russian tarragon has stronger licorice flavor than French tarragon—always choose French variety for balanced taste.

Can I grow both herbs in the same garden?

Yes, but they have different needs. Dill prefers full sun and moist soil, growing quickly with self-seeding. Tarragon needs well-drained soil, moderate water, and partial shade in hot climates. Plant in separate containers if possible, with dill spaced 12-18 inches apart and tarragon 18-24 inches apart.

Now grab your favorite herb, roll up those sleeves, and start spicing things up!