what can i do with lemon grass

Culinary uses for lemongrass

• 1. One of my favorite ways to use lemongrass in the kitchen is to add a dash of flavor to rice. ...
• 2. Lemongrass makes an amazing addition to Asian dishes including your favorite stir-fry recipes. ...
• 3. Add lemongrass to favorite dishes for a surprise touch. ...
• 4. Chicken and fish dishes can often take a flavorful hint from fresh lemongrass. ...

Full Answer

What are the health benefits of eating lemon grass?

What Are the Health Benefits of Lemongrass?

• Heart Disease and Diabetes. Lemongrass has been used to treat both diabetes and heart disease in traditional medicine. ...
• Cancer Prevention. Most plant foods contain powerful compounds called antioxidants that help to prevent cancer by stopping free radical formation.
• Malaria. ...
• Dosage and Side Effects. ...

What herb can you substitute for lemon grass?

What’s A Good Lemongrass Substitute?

• Your best bet: Lemon zest. This is your best bet as a lemongrass substitute mainly because lemons are relatively easy to find. ...
• A decent second choice: Kreung (Lemongrass paste) Kreung is a type of lemongrass paste from Cambodia that you can use as an alternative to lemongrass in many dishes.
• In a pinch: Kaffir lime leaves. ...
• Other alternatives. ...

What is the health benefit of lemon grass?

What are the health benefits of lemongrass tea?

• Benefits of lemongrass tea. Lemongrass tea may have many benefits, including relieving anxiety and preventing infection. ...
• Lemongrass tea recipe. Lemongrass stalks are available in many grocery stores. It is possible to make lemongrass tea at home.
• Takeaway. Lemongrass tea can be a delicious beverage that also offers health benefits. ...

What does lime do to help grass grow?

• The pH levels increase in any soil with high acidic levels.
• Plants will be able to receive the required magnesium and calcium they need to stay healthy.
• Water can now penetrate into soils with high acidic levels and hydrate them.
• Lime enables plants that are growing on acidic soils to absorb more nutrients than usual.

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What can lemon grass be used for?

Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine. Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.

What part of lemongrass is edible?

Only the tender part of the bottom third–a tightly packed bulb–of the lemongrass is edible. This part can be sliced or pounded after the tough outer leaves or layers are removed. Once the fibrous inner stem is finely, finely sliced, you can add it raw to salads.

Can you drink lemon grass?

Lemongrass tea is generally a safe and healthy herbal drink. It's easy to grow or find at most natural food stores. Animal and laboratory research has shown that lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.

What can you do with left over lemongrass?

So, next time you top and tail a lemongrass stalk, and remove the outer husk, instead of lobbing it in the food waste bin, try steeping it in hot water, to make an aromatic tisane; or preserve it in oil, which can then be used to fry or roast vegetables, meat or fish, or to top a soup such as today's recipe, which is ...

Is it OK to eat raw lemongrass?

You can eat the whole lemongrass, including the stalk. However, the stalk itself is tough and hard to chew. For this reason, you may want to remove the stalk before consuming the raw lemongrass.

Is it OK to chew lemongrass?

Lemongrass is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy short-term for medicinal purposes.

Does lemongrass reduce belly fat?

Lemongrass tea is claimed to increase metabolism and aid weight loss. Drinking lemongrass tea on a daily basis may help you shed that unhealthy belly fat.

Does lemon grass detoxify the body?

Detoxifies the Body According to a 2003 study, lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties.

Does lemon grass cause high blood pressure?

Lemongrass is high in potassium, and helps to increase the production of urine in the body. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure and boosts blood circulation. According to a study published in the Medical Forum Monthly, lemongrass is effective in decreasing blood pressure.

Does lemongrass freeze well?

For longer-term storage, the herb freezes beautifully. Freeze whole stalks, trimmed of their leaves and root ends, on a cookie sheet, being careful to leave space so they don't freeze together, then transfer to a freezer-proof container. Freeze sliced lemongrass the same way.

How do you preserve fresh lemongrass?

How to Store LemongrassThese hardy stalks store well in both the fridge and freezer. ... Wrap untrimmed stalks tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store for up to 2 weeks.Whole: Trim green tops from stalks, wrap stalks in plastic, then seal in zipper-lock bag.More items...•

When should I harvest lemongrass?

You can begin harvesting lemongrass as soon as the plant is well enough established to tolerate a few stalks being cut. Tender stalks can be gently snipped near the base though longer, tougher stalks should be harvested together in clumps that are dug up and separated from the rest of the plant.

Which part of lemongrass do you cut?

To trim a stalk, chop off the tough bottom base with its hard v-shaped core and the green, woody top section. Peel away loose or dry outer layers to reveal a smooth, tight stalk. The trimmed, usable section will be 4 to 8 inches ong, depending on the size of the original stalk.

Can you eat the green leaves of lemongrass?

For the lemongrass that you want to add to food, chop off the greenish part of the stem, so you're only left with the white part. The green is good and flavorful as well, but it can't be eaten.

Can you use the green part of lemongrass?

Only use the bottom white portion of lemongrass. The dark green portion of the stalks can be cut off. (My instinct is always to use them when making stock, but they don't impart much flavor.)

How do you prepare lemongrass to eat?

You should always trim the base of the lemongrass stalks and peel and discard the hard outer layers. To use the lemongrass whole in stews, broths or drinks, crush the stalk with the back of a knife to release its flavor. You can also finely slice it into rings and add it to marinades, soups, or stir-fries.

A Lemon-Flavored Herb With a Great Zing

Lindsey Goodwin is a food writer and tea consultant with more than 12 years of experience exploring tea production and culture.

Lemongrass and Health

In some parts of India, lemongrass is considered to be an essential plant in the mind-body medicinal practice of Ayurveda. It is commonly used to alleviate colds and congestion and some people compare it to ginger in this regard. Interestingly enough, in Kerala, India, the name for lemongrass translates to "dried ginger coffee."

Lemongrass Tea

One of the most common ways to use lemongrass is in tisanes, which are often called herbal teas.

Lemongrass Cocktails

Lemongrass is gaining some notoriety in adult beverages as well. There are a number of cocktail recipes that play off its pungent flavor. The Soho cocktail, for instance, combines the herb with ginger, mint, gin, and ginger ale. That famous duo of lemongrass and ginger can also be used to create an amazing tequila infusion .

Lemongrass Foods

Lemongrass is a popular herb for cooking and it is used in a wide range of food recipes. It's common in Asian foods and found most often in Thai cuisine. Since it is rather fibrous and can even be woody, it's best when finely minced. Similar to bay leaves, if you use larger pieces, remove them before serving.

Tips

The flavor intensity of lemon grass varies widely depending on the climate where it was grown. It's best to season by taste rather than using quantities listed in recipes. Thanks! Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0 Lemon grass is believed to have medicinal qualities.

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Culinary uses for lemongrass

Lemongrass is a great way to add a slight lemon flavor to your food. Like using chives in your kitchen, a little can go a long way for adding something special to a meal. Due to Lemongrass’s woody texture, it should be finely chopped or removed from the dish before serving.

Uses for lemongrass around the home

Lemongrass may be best known for its usefulness in repelling mosquitoes and ticks. This makes it a great option for in your home but there are a few other great ways to get use of it.

Uses for lemongrass in the garden

Even in your garden lemongrass can be useful. Growing lemongrass near doors and entryways can help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Growing near areas you plant to entertain can help protect your summer guests from insects while you enjoy warm summer nights. Learn how to grow lemongrass!

Thai Beef Salad

A colorful, tangy salad that brings out the best in Thai cuisine and spices.

Lemongrass and Citrus Poached Salmon

This is a very light and delicate dish with a smooth and subtle lemon and citrus flavor that melts in your mouth. Also serves well cold. Best if served with veggies and a good teriyaki sauce.

Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup

Vietnamese style curry powder can be found in Asian markets - especially in cities that have a large Vietnamese population. If you can't find it, use Madras curry powder. This spicy soup can be made into a thick stew by reducing the vegetable stock and water by half. Serve with rice and French bread.

Authentic Thai Coconut Soup

This soup is for Asian-food lovers. If you have all the ingredients on hand it's easy to put together and makes the perfect comfort food. If not, it only takes one trip the Asian market. It's so versatile you can make it vegetarian or substitute chicken for shrimp. Enjoy!!

Malaysian Beef Rendang

This dish has a unique flavor, and by varying the amounts of sugar and chilies a whole range of effects can be produced. Serve over rice.

Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Chicken

Pound chicken thighs flat, marinate in a mixture of lemongrass, soy sauce, and fish sauce, and grill to get delicious, Vietnamese-style chicken.

Awesome Chicken Noodle Soup

Home style chicken noodle soup that really makes a wonderful side or meal, it cures what ails you. If you like lots of noodles use a whole pound of them. Serve hot with your favorite salad and bread. This freezes or doubles well.

Do follow the correct method when preparing lemongrass

The correct method involves first blanching the lemongrass to make it less bitter. Lemongrass is a pungent herb with the potential add bitter notes to a dish and blanching can help to prevent that. After placing the lemongrass into boiling water for about a minute, remove it and place into ice water to cool it down.

Do remove larger lemongrass pieces from your food

This is necessary for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because the outer layers of lemongrass stalks can be fibrous and difficult to chew.

Do leave lemongrass in your dish only if you have very fresh lemongrass stalks

You can peel off the outer layers and chop the tender inner ones finely instead of removing them. If you use the tender inner layers of the stalks, use a smaller amount since you will be leaving the lemongrass in the dish.

Do store lemongrass correctly,

Lemongrass is a hardy herb that can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if wrapped in plastic. Alternatively, you can freeze it for as long as six months.

Do purchase prepared lemongrass, if possible

To avoid the hassle of preparing it yourself, buy lemongrass that has already been chopped or ground. Many grocery stores offer lemongrass paste that is sold in tubes; you can simply squeeze out the amount that you need and store the rest in the refrigerator. You may also be able to find chopped and frozen lemongrass in some Asian food markets.

Where to Buy Lemongrass

You can find fresh lemongrass in most Asian food and grocery stores. It is usually located with the other fresh produce and is often sold in bundles of two or three stalks.

How to Prepare Lemongrass

To prepare lemongrass for cooking, you need a sharp serrated knife, a cutting board, and a food processor or mortar and pestle.

How to Use Lemongrass

Your lemongrass should now appear finer—almost like yellow-green flakes. It is now ready to use in recipes such as curries or soups. Note that the lemongrass still needs to be cooked or boiled for at least five minutes before it is soft enough to be edible.

Lemongrass Recipes

Use your processed lemongrass to create wonderful Thai soups or dishes, such as:

Substitutions

If you can't find lemongrass or are in a bind, you can substitute lemon or lime juice in its place. Just keep in mind that the citrus won't be able to fully take the place of the flavor of lemongrass.

Plant Hardiness Zones

If you’re growing lemongrass in your garden, you might be wondering what to do with it over the winter months. Due to its tropical origins, lemongrass can only survive the winter outside in the warmest areas of the US.

Protecting Outdoor Plants

If you’re in Zone 9, your lemongrass can survive the winter outdoors as long as you provide adequate protection from the cold.

Divide, Prune, and Pot

If you live in Zone 8 or below, you’ll need to bring your herbs inside during the winter where they will go dormant.

Keeping Plants Indoors

Once your herbs are in their pots, you need to find a proper location for them to spend the next few months.

Preparing for Spring

Once daytime temperatures are regularly in the 50s, move your pots to a sunny and warm location indoors. Start watering them with about a quarter of an inch two to three times a week.

Will My Lemongrass Survive Winter?

If you follow the steps above, your lemongrass will survive the winter. Even if you don’t make it to the tropics yourself, you’ll have a reminder of the warmth that is to come.

What to Plant with Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains citronella, a plant oil with pest repelling properties, especially mosquitoes. Using lemongrass among your patio plantings is an excellent way to enjoy your outdoors in summer without worrying about those disease transmitting insects.

Lemongrass Companion Plants

Herb containers on the back porch or patio provide convenient, fresh seasoning choices just off the kitchen. Some great ways of companion planting with lemongrass are by using herbs, which appreciate full sun and well-drained soil. Possible options include: