Regulatory Update FSSAI Defines Standards for Dehydrated Tarragon
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These standards take effect on 1 February 2026.
These rules cover both whole leaves and powder forms of tarragon (Vilayti Damnak).
Tarragon is also known as Artemisia dracunculus.
It is widely used as a flavoring herb in sauces, seafood dishes, and Western style cuisine.
For whole dehydrated tarragon:
Maximum moisture content is 10% by mass.
Total ash should not exceed 12% (dry basis).
Acid-insoluble ash must be at most 1.5% (dry basis).
Volatile oil must be at least 0.6 ml per 100 g (dry basis).
No foreign or extraneous matter is allowed beyond 1%.
Broken stems (whole or cut leaves) must be within 3%.
Yellow or brown leaves are limited to 15%.
For dehydrated tarragon powder:
Moisture limit remains 10%.
Total ash not more than 12%
Acid-insoluble ash cap is 1.5%.
Volatile oil minimum is 0.5 ml per 100 g (dry basis)
Chromatographic standards include compounds like cis-ẞ-ocimene, trans-ẞ-ocimene, transanethole, methylchavicol, and methyleugenol.
Moisture ≤10%, Ash ≤12%, Oil ≥0.6 ml/100 g (whole), 0.5 (powder)