Overview
ISO 7926:1991 - "Dehydrated tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus Linnaeus) - Specification" defines quality, compositional and labelling requirements for dehydrated tarragon (methylchavicol or “French tarragon”) supplied as whole or cut leaves and powder. The standard explicitly excludes elemicin‑sabinene (“Russian tarragon”) type. Annex A is an integral part of the specification; Annexes B and C give informative guidance on storage/transport and a typical chromatogram.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and product form: Applies to dehydrated tarragon (methylchavicol/estragole type) in whole/cut leaves and powder; excludes Russian tarragon.
- Identity and microscopy: Annex A describes microscopic examination to distinguish methylchavicol‑type (bifid hairs) from elemicin‑sabinene‑type (star‑type trichomes).
- Purity and contamination:
- Extraneous matter (non‑tarragon vegetable or mineral matter) is limited (maximum specified in standard).
- Freedom from living insects, visible mould, and practical freedom from dead insects and rodent contamination.
- Maximum allowances for discoloured (yellow/brown) leaves and broken stems are defined.
- Chemical and compositional tests:
- Referenced test methods: ISO 927 (extraneous matter), ISO 928 (total ash), ISO 930 (acid‑insoluble ash), ISO 939 (moisture by entrainment), ISO 1208 (microscopy of powder), ISO 6571 (volatile oil content).
- Volatile oil composition (by gas chromatography) must show the main constituents: cis‑β‑ocimene, trans‑β‑ocimene, trans‑anethole, methylchavicol (estragole), and methyl‑eugenol. The oil must not contain significant amounts of sabinene or elemicin.
- Sampling and testing: Sampling is carried out in accordance with ISO 948; analyses are performed on the product as supplied.
- Packing, storage and marking:
- Packaging: clean, dry materials that protect against moisture and loss of volatile constituents.
- Marking requires product name, producer/packer, batch code, net mass, producing country, harvest/pack date (if known), and reference to ISO 7926.
Applications and users
ISO 7926 is used by:
- Spice growers, dehydrators and packers to ensure consistent product quality of dehydrated tarragon.
- Quality control and analytical laboratories for compliance testing (moisture, ash, volatile oil profile).
- Importers, exporters and spice traders for specification compliance in contracts and procurement.
- Food manufacturers and seasoning formulators who need consistent aroma and safety characteristics.
- Regulatory bodies and food safety auditors referencing international spice specifications.
Related standards
Key referenced ISO methods include: ISO 927, ISO 928, ISO 930, ISO 939, ISO 948, ISO 1208 and ISO 6571 - all relevant for testing and sampling of spices and condiments.
Keywords: ISO 7926, dehydrated tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus, methylchavicol, French tarragon, spice specification, volatile oil, gas chromatography, moisture content, extraneous matter, packaging, storage.
