What is Lemongrass and How to Use it?

Given its name, it is unsurprising that lemongrass is used to bring a refreshing citrus flavouring to food and drink. Also referred to as citronella grass , the delicacy is grown in tropical locations, the predominate areas being South and South East Asia. You may commonly see the plant as an ingredient in Vietnamese and Thai cuisine . Lemongrass has a whole range of uses and is included in a variety of Asian food and drink recipes. Our blog explores which delicacies use lemongrass throughout Asia as well as what it is and how it is used! Oriental Mart offers a vast selection of Asian cookery ingredients on our online store for all your culinary needs. So if you feel inspired, take a look at our online superstore which covers everything from our Chinese supermarket to our unique selection of Japanese snacks and not forgetting all the appropriate tableware to match!

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a herb which originates from South India and Sri Lanka although it is not exclusive to this part of the world. Often used as a flavouring in food it is also brewed for tea and now features in some cocktail recipes.A central appeal of lemongrass for some consumers is its health benefits. Its associated medical properties contribute to its popularity in countries such as India where it has been reported as the planet’s top commercial producer of the plant . In India, in particular, lemongrass is a crucial ingredient in the practice of Ayurveda.

How Lemongrass Looks

Often referred to as looking like a sturdier and more robust version of spring onion, it's signature white core is the principal part of the plant used in cooking . The base of lemongrass is pink and swollen in shape in comparison to its long stalk.The foliage of the plant takes the form of a long and thick blade of grass. Lemongrass that grows large in height will reach anywhere between six to ten feet in length, but it usually develops between three and six feet .

How Lemongrass Tastes

As we have previously touched on, lemongrass has a mild lemon taste and scent. However, the flavour of the plant remains sweet and not so sharp. The overall citrussy-sweet flavour is enhanced when the stalk is misshapen by being cut or squashed.

Fresh or Dried Lemongrass?

There are a few ways that lemongrass can be purchased including being powdered, dried and, most preferably, fresh !For a woodier flavour, dried is the ideal choice and it is often present in moist dishes such as soups and dishes which are left to simmer over a long period. Any dishes which are already fairly dry will not benefit from the addition of dried lemongrass and fresh lemongrass should be used instead.If you are adding to fresh dishes and want them to burst with vibrant flavours , then fresh lemongrass if the ultimate choice . It can often feature in stir-fries finely diced.

Lemongrass in Cuisine

There is plenty of scope to use lemongrass in your cooking. It often features in Vietnamese and Thai food i n the form of soups as well as a flavouring for seafood and meat dishes .

Dishes with Lemongrass

To add lemongrass into soups and curries, it is recommended to bruise the stalk to get the most out of the oils and enhance the flavour. Firstly, remove the top and base of the lemongrass and pluck away the husks. Then, crush the stalk to release the oils and add to the ingredients. Once the dish is complete, it is essential to remove the lemongrass upon serving . Soups which feature lemongrass include Malaysian laksa, lemongrass green curry coconut soup, coconut lemongrass soup as well to add some liveliness to tom yum soup.In curries it is often paired with meats, such as chicken, to infuse the flavour . It can also be added to rice and noodles to embellish the taste!

Lemongrass in Tea

Lemongrass is also used to infuse tea and tisanes . Often found in Africa as well as other parts of the world, lemongrass now features in many herbal tea blends.Lemongrass infused tea can be created by either dried or fresh lemongrass, which is boiled or steeped to make a herbal infusion . One cup of boiling to one teaspoon is a great starting point.

Lemongrass Cocktails

The refreshing taste of lemongrass often flourishes when paired with coconut milk, cucumber, pear and chilli peppers ; these combinations also feature in cocktails! A tequila infusion of ginger and lemongrass is a popular cocktail recipe. How will you be using lemongrass in your next culinary adventure? Why not share your creations with us on our social media channels ; we would love to hear from you!