Lemon grass has an intriguing lemon scent and taste without the bite that real lemons can add to a dish. The taste is light and refreshing, with just a hint of ginger. It blends well with garlic, chiles, and cilantro, ingredients commonly found in dishes from Indonesia and Thailand. It is often used in curries, marinades, stews, and seafood soups. It's citrus taste helps to lighten some of the richer tasting dishes. Lemon grass is also used to make tea.

Lemon grass can be used either fresh, dried or powdered. The fresh stalks can be found in Asian markets and now in many health food stores. Be sure to buy ones that have a plump base and long, blade-like green leaves since these will be the freshest.

When using it fresh, strip off the tough outer leaves and cut off the bottom root portion. Slice the bulbous end into 1/4" pieces on a diagonal. Cut into longer strips if you are not going to strain your dish so you can remove them before serving. Bruise the pieces just before cooking to release the flavors. Lemon grass freezes well, but it can also be stored whole in the refrigerator in plastic bags for up to two weeks. It will last up to five months when frozen.

If using dried lemon grass, soak it in hot water to reconstitute. Dried or powdered Lemon Grass is normally added to curry pastes and used in beverages.

Medicinal Uses:

Lemon Grass is used in tea to combat depression and bad moods. It fights fever and is also used for nervous conditions and digestive disorders. Studies have shown that lemon grass has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The oil is used to cleanse oily skin, and in aromatherapy it is used as a relaxant.

Growing:

When buying lemon grass fresh, check the bases to see if there are any roots. If there are, you can take the stalk and start your own lemon grass plant. Place the root end in water with a bit of plant food and soon roots will develop. Plant Lemon Grass in an area that gets full sun but is protected from the wind.

Lemon grass prefers sandy soil and plenty of moisture. It grows well in pots, makng it a wonderful addition to any potted herb garden. You can transfer the pots to a green house over the winter in colder areas, since it is very sensitive to frost. Lemon grass will grow to about 3' tall and will even grow indoors with good lighting and heat.

As the lemon grass grows, it sends out new stalks from the central base. Once these are about 2 1/2 inches long and about 3/4 inch wide at the base, they are ready to use. To harvest just cut off what you need from the new growth.

A fun, useful and interesting herb to add to any garden.

Stir to blend flavors.
Top with cooked asparagus tips.