You can recognize lemongrass from Southeast Asia by its narrow leaves, which are colored white around the bottom. The spice gives food and drinks a lemon-like note. Since lemongrass almost completely loses its delicate aroma when dried, you should always use it fresh.
What is the best way to use lemongrass?
To use lemongrass, wash the stems, remove outer leaves, trim the root end, and shred or bruise. Use the white bottom part in sauces, dips and marinades or use it to prepare aromatic tea, spicy oil or natural mosquito repellent.
Different types of preparation
Before preparing, wash the stems well and pat the lemongrass dry with an absorbent kitchen towel.
- Cut off root end.
- Remove outer leaves.
- Cut into large pieces or split lengthwise, the lemongrass can be cooked and removed before serving.
- Crush with a flat iron, this will release more flavors from the lemongrass.
The white lower part of the lemongrass, the bulb, is less tough than the green parts of the leaf. Finely cut, it gives sauces, dips and marinades an interesting aroma.
You don't have to throw away the hard outer leaves. Quartered, they make attractive skewers on which you can put fish fillets or chicken breast strips for grilling or frying. Due to the heat during the cooking process, the lemongrass releases the fine aromas that penetrate the meat and give it a wonderfully fresh note.
Aromatic tea
Lemongrass tea is a wonderful thirst quencher in the warm season because of its slightly sour taste. In addition to essential oils, the spice contains citral, myrcene and bitter substances and is considered an effective natural medicine in its homeland.
Lemongrass tea is often used in Asia for:
- Febrile illnesses
- Infections in the mouth and throat
- Summer flu
Exotic Lemongrass Oil
You can easily make this seasoning oil yourself and use it to refine salads or sauces. Heat half a liter of oil and let four to five crushed lemongrass stalks steep in the hot oil for a few minutes. Fill the oil with the stems into a bottle and let it rest for a few days before using.
Lemongrass: The secret weapon against mosquitoes
The spice plant is a proven and gentle means of repelling mosquitoes. Citronella oil is therefore contained in many plant-based repellets (€8.00 on Amazon). If you rub fresh lemongrass leaves, the essential oils will also be released. Put the leaves on a plate and place it on the bedside table to keep the little bloodsuckers away for some time.
Tips & Tricks
Lemongrass can be stored wrapped in newspaper in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for several weeks.
