What Can You Cook With Lemongrass?

Everything You Need to Know About Lemongrass

Introduction to Lemongrass

Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a versatile plant appreciated for its distinct lemony aroma and variety of uses. It is a crucial element in Southeast Asian cuisine, offering a unique citrus zest to dishes, and is also used for medicinal purposes globally. Whether it’s in aromatic curries or soothing herbal teas, the charm of lemongrass is hard to ignore.

The Origins and Other Names of Lemongrass

Originating from Southern India and Sri Lanka, lemongrass has now become a widespread plant throughout tropical regions worldwide. It is known by other names such as citronella grass, fever grass, and cochin grass, depending on the geographical location. For more information, please refer to britannica.com.

Lemongrass in Cuisine

Lemongrass offers an intriguing mix of the sweet and the citrusy, making it an invaluable addition to a wide array of dishes. In cooking, it can be used fresh, dried, or powdered, and is a crucial ingredient in dishes like Tom Yum soup and a variety of curries. It also empowers beverages, most notably, contributing its fresh, vibrant flavors to lemongrass tea. Check out these recipes from bbcgoodfood.com.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Beyond its culinary uses, lemongrass is rich in a plethora of health benefits. It’s known to aid digestion, reduce anxiety, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and boost immunity, among other benefits. Lemongrass is also used in aromatherapy as it is believed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Proponents of lemongrass also attest to its effectiveness in treating insomnia and other sleep disorders. According to webmd.com, its oil is used in the production of vitamin A and natural citral.

While more research is necessary to ratify some of these benefits definitively, there’s no denying that lemongrass makes a fantastic, flavorful addition to your pantry and garden.