What Is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant with a strong lemon aroma, known for its long, tough, fibrous stalks. It is one of the key aromatics in Southeast Asian cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.
The edible part is the lower, whitish-green portion of the stalk; the tough upper leaves are generally steeped in soups and curries and removed at the end of cooking, or used to make tea.
Lemongrass Nutrition Facts
Because reliable, consistent public nutrition data for lemongrass could not be cross-verified to this encyclopedia’s standard, this section has been deliberately left blank. It is little known in Türkiye and mostly imported; the amount used (a few stalks) also does not make a measurable contribution to daily nutrition.
What Are the Benefits of Lemongrass?
In Southeast Asia, lemongrass is traditionally consumed to soothe digestion and as a relaxing tea; various studies on its essential oils are ongoing, but these findings have not become a definitive health recommendation.
This information is general; lemongrass is a plant and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Lemongrass
Fresh lemongrass should be firm, range in color from light green to pale yellow, and have a distinct lemon aroma; dry, wrinkled stalks indicate that it is stale.
- The stalk should be firm and upright; avoid soft, drooping stalks.
- A strong lemon aroma when the lower end is crushed is a sign of freshness.
- The cut end should look moist and light in color, not dried out.
How to Store Lemongrass
It can be stored for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator, wrapped in damp paper; if chopped and placed in the freezer, it can be used for months.
Using Lemongrass in the Kitchen
Lemongrass is added to soups, curries, and sauces after the lower part of the stalk is crushed and finely chopped; the upper leaves are steeped and removed at the end of cooking.
How to Make Lemongrass Tea
Add crushed lemongrass stalk to boiling water and steep for 5–8 minutes; if desired, combine it with ginger or mint to make a refreshing herbal tea.
Using Lemongrass in Tom Yum Soup
Crushed lemongrass stalks are added to broth along with kaffir lime leaves and galangal, forming the aromatic base of Thailand’s famous sour-and-spicy soup, tom yum.
What Dishes Use Lemongrass?
It is used in tom yum soup, Thai-style curry, grilled chicken marinades, and various herbal teas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of lemongrass is edible?
The lower, softer, whitish-green part of the stalk is chopped and eaten; the tough, fibrous upper leaves are generally steeped in soups and curries and removed at the end of cooking.
Can lemongrass be used to make tea?
Yes. Add pieces of crushed stalk to boiling water and steep for a few minutes to make a refreshing herbal tea; it also pairs well with ginger and mint.
In which cuisines is lemongrass used?
It is one of the key aromatics in Southeast Asian cuisines, especially Thai and Vietnamese; tom yum soup is one of its best-known uses.
Can dried lemongrass replace fresh lemongrass?
Partly; dried lemongrass has a milder aroma and is generally used for steeping (in soup or tea), rather than being chopped and eaten directly.
How should lemongrass be stored?
Wrapped in damp paper, it keeps fresh in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks; for longer storage, it can be chopped and placed in the freezer.