Lemon Grass

Common Name

Lemon grass has a clean, fresh lemon smell with a touch of ginger. It lacks the sour bite of lemons, adding a softer, refreshing taste to many dishes. A tropical plant, the lower portion of lemon grass is used in cooking. The bulb, leaves and stalk all have a fresh, citrus-like smell which helps to lighten up a heavier dish.

Lemon grass is associated with Thai and other Asian cuisines and pairs well with chilies, garlic and cilantro. Lemon grass is often added to curries, soups and stews or ground into a paste. This extremely fibrous plant belongs to the grass family and is available fresh, dried or powdered. Traditionally, sections of lemon grass stalks are added to recipes for flavor, but because they are fibrous they are rarely ingested unless the dish has been cooked enough to soften the stalks.

Essential oil of lemon grass is added to soaps, perfumes and lotions and its astringent properties make it an excellent facial cleanser.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Lemon grass has been used for hundreds of years as a medicinal herb. Lemon grass is often recommended as a neatural means of improving mood and reducing depression. Lemon grass will deodorize and cleanse, and proponents believe it will eliminate athlete's foot. Lemon grass tea is often prescribed as a means of ingesting the herb's healthful benefits.

Historically, lemon grass has been used to:

• Aid digestion
• Relieve fevers
• Relieve cramps
• As an anti-bacterial
• As an antiseptic
• Reduce acne
• Heal wounds
• Relieve nausea
• Reduce stress
• Calm upset stomach
• Relieve insomnia
• As an anti-fungal

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Lemon grass pairs naturally with garlic and cilantro and especially complements chicken, fish and coconut milk. To use as a flavoring, remove the lower bulb and outer leaves. Cut the stalk into pieces and bruise by pounding or scoring them before use. Remove the pieces before serving use large enough pieces that they won't be accidentally ingested. For a stronger, more pronounced flavor and to eliminate the need to remove lemon grass before serving, grind the lemon grass in a blender or food processor, remove fibers and add to dish. If using dried lemon grass, soak the slices in water for at least two hours. Ground lemon grass can be added at will to any dish.  Food for thought:

• Add ground lemon grass to any Asian or Indian inspired dish as the flavor marries well with heat and tropical flavors like coconut.
• Make a simple syrup using fresh or dried lemon grass and use it to sweeten beverage or make sorbet and ice cream
• Add lemon grass powder to baking
• Add lemon grass powder to broth-based tomato soup
• Add lemon grass powder to salad dressings, or marinades
• Add lemon grass powder to home made five spice - creating a  six spice

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