Lemon grass is an aromatic tropical plant with a lemony scent and flavor. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean cooking.
Fresh lemon grass is essential to several dishes, from curries to brewed teas, but it isn’t as simple as just adding it in.
While most recipes call for the use of lemon grass stalks, it takes some skill to make sure you are using the correct parts of the plant and using them correctly.
This how-to guide will instruct how to work with lemon grass stalks for optimal flavor and texture.
Lemongrass is a plant native to India, Indonesia, and other tropical regions of Asia. It can reach up to 4 feet in height and has long, thin leaves used in cooking.
The base of the lemon grass stalk is used to make a seasoning paste or added to dishes for a hint of citrus flavor. Lemongrass has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years because it has many antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties.
In addition to its culinary uses, lemongrass is also known for its aromatherapy benefits. Its essential oil is often used as an insect repellent, deodorizer, and ingredient in cosmetics like massage oils and facial cleansers due to its antibacterial properties.
When purchasing lemongrass, look for firm stalks with no browning or soft spots – these are indicators that the stalks are beginning to spoil. To prepare lemon grass for cooking, remove loose outer layers of leaves from the stalk until you reach the tender yellow interior.
Cut any root ends with scissors or a knife and discard them before preparing your recipe.
Lemon grass can be eaten fresh or cooked – begin by mincing the stalk into fine pieces using a sharp knife or food processor.
Make sure you only use what you plan on consuming immediately, as it quickly loses its flavor when stored in the refrigerator overnight or longer than one day at room temperature.
Add lemon grass directly into soups, stews, sauces, and curries at the beginning of cooking time so that they simmer together while your dish cooks so you infuse the maximum amount of flavor into your dish!
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Health Benefits of Lemon Grass
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is an aromatic herb native to the tropics that has become very popular worldwide. The stalks, leaves, and roots of the plant have been traditionally used in many culinary and medicinal applications.
Lemon grass, often referred to as citronella, contains compounds that are beneficial for health and nutrition.
Consumption of lemon grass can provide several health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest that the plant’s phytochemicals can help reduce inflammation, reduce pain, improve digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels.
The antioxidants found in lemon grass may also help protect against free radical damage and prevent infections.
In addition to its medicinal properties, lemon grass is a natural source of nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and B6 and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. As such, it can be used as an addition to food or beverages for extra nutritional value.
Adding a few drops of lemon grass oil to hot water makes an aromatic tea that can offer several health benefits, including relief from stress and melatonin production, which improves sleep quality.
Lemon grass essence can also be added to salads or dressings for added flavor while providing beneficial nutrients.
How to Select and Store Lemon Grass
When shopping for lemongrass, look for stalks that appear free of spots and have a green and white stem top. Stalk with dry tops indicates leaves that have already begun to fade.
If possible, find stalks with leaves still attached, as these are generally fresher than those without.
When storing lemon grass, keeping the freshness of the outer parts is critical. For best results, wrap them in damp paper towels and plastic wrap, then store them in the refrigerator until ready for use.
Although lemon grass can remain fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator, try to use it as soon as possible for optimal flavor.
If you need to store lemon grass in its original form for longer than a week, wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil can keep it fresh much longer.
If freezing is necessary, slice it into small sections before freezing. Remember there is no need to defrost before cooking with it; just cut down on cooking time slightly to allow the frozen portions to cook through evenly.
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How to Use Lemon Grass
Lemon grass, also known as citronella, is an herb that has a sweet lemon flavor. Lemon grass stalks are often dried in teas, soups, and marinades, either whole or sliced into thin strips. It can also be used fresh in curries and stir-fries or cooked in hot oil.
In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of lemon grass and how to use it in your cooking:
Dried Lemon Grass
Lemon grass has a strong, citrusy flavor making it the perfect addition to many exciting dishes. While fresh lemon grass is ideal for curries and soups, using dried lemon grass can also provide a fragrant and flavorful experience.
Dried lemon grass stalks can add a unique freshness to any dish without the hassle of finding and preparing fresh lemon grass. Here are some tips for using dried lemon grass stalks:
- Dried lemon grass should be steeped like tea before adding it to your dish. Place 2 or 3 stalks in 8 ounces of boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Make sure not to boil for too long, as it could release an unpleasant, musty smell that will ruin your meal.
- After the stalks are steeped, discard the infused water or reserve it if you want to use it later as part of your recipe.
- Once the stalks have been steeping and discarded, pound each one with either a mortar and pestle or a knife handle on a cutting board until they form a loose paste. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can blend them with other ingredients, such as garlic and ginger paste, for an even more flavorful result!
- Once you have produced a paste from your steeping stalks, add one teaspoon of the mix into any dish requiring some heat and citrus flavor – stir fry seitan with Mixed Vegetables in Lemongrass is especially divine! You can also add it directly into hot oil during wok frying or deep frying; this method will provide a crunchy texture that is perfect for certain dishes.
Fresh Lemon Grass
Fresh lemon grass is a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking and is common in recipes for soups, curries, and spicy stir-fries. It has a beautiful citrus flavor and a unique aroma that adds depth and complexity to dishes.
To use fresh lemon grass stalks, cut off any tough ends, then peel away the rough outer leaves until you reach the tender heart of the stalk. Slice or mince this tender part of the stalk as directed in your recipe.
The yellow inner core of each piece is too fibrous to eat, so be sure to remove it, or you’ll get an unpleasant surprise when you bite into a piece of cooked lemon grass!
Pre-minced or dried lemon grass can be substituted if you’re pressed for time. The taste won’t be quite as robust, but it will still provide an exotic twist to whatever dish you prepare!
Lemon Grass in Recipes
Lemon grass is a fragrant and flavorful ingredient in Southeast Asian dishes. Because of the stiff, fibrous stalks, it’s essential to learn how to prepare the lemongrass properly before use.
Depending on what type of dish you are making, there are several ways you can use lemon grass in recipes.
- For Soups and Curries: To give your soups or curries an extra flavor, add a chopped or thinly sliced stalk or two of lemon grass toward the beginning of cooking. When simmering, remove the tough outside layers, which can be pretty stringy.
- For Marinades and Salads: For a lighter flavor, one may mince the lemongrass stalk very finely with a sharp knife or food processor before stirring it into salads, marinades, and dips.
- For Teas and Cocktails: Lemon grass can also be steeped as part of a herbal tea infusion or cocktail mix by using whole stalks cut into small segments placed into hot water for up to ten minutes before straining out.
At its core, few ingredients exclaim freshness more than lemongrass does! Hopefully, with these simple tips on how to use it, you can bring some zesty Asian flair into your kitchen.
Conclusion: How Do I Use Lemon Grass Stalks?
In conclusion, lemon grass is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can flavor many dishes uniquely. From soups and salads to stir-fries and chicken, lemon grass stalks can enhance the flavors and make your meal stand out.
To use the stalks, peel away the tough outer layers until you reach the soft, pale yellow inner core. Slice or mince this portion of the stalk for use in recipes.
Keep in mind that lemon grass has a strong flavor and should be used sparingly until you determine the desired amount for your dish. It will last up to several weeks in your refrigerator when stored correctly. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is lemon grass?
A: Lemon grass is a tropical grass with a lemon-like flavor and aroma, used in cooking and herbal medicine.
Q: How do I use lemon grass stalks?
A: Lemon grass stalks can be used in many ways, such as in soups, stir-fries, curries, and teas. To use lemon grass stalks, cut off the bottom 3-4 inches of the stalk and discard the tough outer leaves. Slice or crush the stalk and add it to the dish. The lemon grass can be removed before serving.
Q: How should I store lemon grass stalks?
A: Lemon grass stalks should be stored in the refrigerator and wrapped in a damp paper towel. They can also be frozen, either whole or chopped. It is best to use the lemon grass within a few days of purchase.
