Lemongrass can be used in soups, curries, stir-fries, and marinades. It’s also a great addition to tea or lemonade. Repeat the process with the other half of the stem, so you are left with two halves of tender yellow-to-light-green lemongrass. Although lemon can’t substitute lemongrass directly, yet its preserved form can (Both the pulp and the peel are used). It tastes different than the fresh lemons.

Normally only the white central part of the lemongrass stalk is used in cooking. The bulb and green stalk are often already trimmed off the lemongrass you see in the store. How to prepare lemongrass Dried and cut stalks of lemongrass: Compared to fresh lemongrass, dried lemongrass has an earthier flavor with less brightness. But it does retain some of the complexity of the fresh variety, and it is a solid option for simmering in soups and curries. Cook's Illustrated recommends against cooking with dried lemongrass in stir-fry (or drier dishes), as the texture is less favorable. Lemongrass tea may help treat oral infections and cavities, thanks to its antimicrobial properties. According to a 2012 in vitro study published by the National Institutes of Health, lemongrass essential oil showed antimicrobial abilities against Streptococcus mutans bacteria, the bacteria most responsible for tooth decay. A medium-sized lemon’s zest will be equivalent to two small lemongrass stalks. So, be careful while using the lemon zest. 2. Dried LemongrassMaking lemongrass tea is a breeze and does not take much time, so it can be made whenever you want to sip on this amazing drink. Well, sometimes you may have to store it or plan ahead by making it in advance. Once completely dry, the lemongrass should feel dry and brittle to the touch. Test by bending a piece of lemongrass; if it snaps easily, it is dehydrated. Give it more time to dry if it bends without breaking. When experimenting with herbal drinks, you will realize that lemongrass can be used in a lot of wonderful recipes with pear, cucumber, chili peppers, and coconut milk. If you’re looking to add a bit of brightness and fresh flavor to your cooking, this is a great ingredient to experiment with. What to cook with lemongrass You can leave the lemongrass in the dehydrator overnight and it is the best way to dry it. It is difficult to get an even temperature that is low enough from your oven but the dehydrator will use the temperature you need. The advantages are that it is easy to use, it requires no effort, and it works in one to four hours. It also requires less space. The main disadvantage is that you have to buy a dehydrator, so it is a more expensive method. You also need to store it when it’s not in use. How to Store Dried Lemongrass

You can easily get it from Asian food stores or any other specialty store that sells Cambodian food supplies. Substitute lemongrass paste by using 2 tsps. of paste for every 2 stalks of lemongrass. We also love this traditional recipe for Indonesian nasi goreng , again courtesy of Bon Appetit. An Indonesian favourite, and one of their national dishes, nasi goreng is a crispy fried egg on a nest of umami-rich fried rice, seasoned with soy sauce, chillis, herbs and spices. The dish is served with an aromatic sauce known as sambal matah, full of bright, zingy flavours like lime, ginger, and, of course, lemongrass. However, you will want to use it sparingly as it can be quite strong. Start by adding less than you think you need, and be sure to taste as you go, adding more if you think it is needed. Final thoughtsCheel J, et al. (2005). Free radical scavengersand antioxidants from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.) DOI: 10.1021/jf0479766 You shouldn’t self-treat any condition with lemongrass tea or use it in place of your prescribed medications without your doctor’s approval. Make sure that you freeze the lemongrass at 0°F for the best results. I kept stalks that had dried out in my fridge for weeks. Lemongrass is a perennial grass that grows in the sub-tropical and tropical climates of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Cut off the leaves, wrap them in a round shape tightly to make a wreath and let it dry( away from the direct sunlight), and finally store it in an airtight container after drying. Conclusion

They became harder and harder to cut but I peeled off the outer skin before cutting up into 2-inch stems and simmered them in my soups and stir fries. Origin: Grown in Asia, Australia, and Africa, lemongrass encompasses a variety of plants in the grass family That’s fair enough, but how can you do that? The good news is that you can freeze lemongrass for up to 6 months without compromising its quality!You can do this by adding about half of the quantity suggested for fresh lemongrass. Dried lemongrass is stronger than fresh ones, so be careful while using it in your recipe. Lemongrass tea is really easy to make. It can be made on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. I like to make it in the Instant Pot as it requires no monitoring and I can plan it as per my schedule and use the delay timer to make this refreshing beverage when I need it. Although native to India, lemongrass is also grown throughout Asia, as well as in Africa, Australia and the Caribbean. There are at least 55 different species of lemongrass, which have been used for a variety of purposes by different cultures around the world, including cooking, folk medicine, as an essential oil and even an insect repellent. Lemongrass is a herb that comes from the stalk of the lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon citrus). Cymbopogon comes from the Greek for “boat” and “beard,” and refers to the boat-shaped base of lemongrass’s spiky leaves. But “bearded boat” doesn’t quite have the same tropical ring to it as lemongrass. It’s closely related to citronella, which you’ll often find in candles and oils to keep those pesky insects away from your patio on a summer’s evening. It looks a little bit like fat spring onions with a bulbous bottom, but has a woody stem and tough, long outer green leaves. It doesn’t taste like a spring onion either. One misconception about lemongrass is that it’s sour. Well, It’s not. This delightful, zingy herb is actually used for its aroma, which is citrussy, lemony and, unsurprisingly, grassy. It adds a bright, citrusy and floral-herbal fragrance to anything it touches, from curries and soups to salads and grilled meat, so if you’re looking to elevate your plate, make sure you have some on standby in the fridge or freezer. Lemongrass is the tallest of the lemon herbs – it can reach six to ten feet in height in its favoured, tropical habitat. And it’s also arguably one of the tastiest. Where does lemongrass come from? It’s a plant that belongs to the mint family and has a mild lemon scent similar to mint. It has both herbal and citrus flavor and is good for the digestive system. How much To Use?