What Kind Of Lemon Grass Do I Have?

Two varieties are commonly found in nurseries: West Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and East Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus). Both can be used for cooking, but the thicker West Indian variety is better.

Are there different types of lemon grass?

LemongrassLower classifications

How do you identify lemongrass?

There are two of the 55 species in the genus Cymbopogon that are used almost interchangeably as lemongrass. The so-called East-Indian lemongrass (C. flexuosus) (also known as cochin or Malabar grass) is native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand, while West-Indian lemongrass (C.

Which lemongrass is not edible?

IDENTIFICATION: Lemongrass is a clumping evergreen with narrow blades ranging blue-green to gold, edges are sharp, tiny flowers on stalk are white, cream, or green. Can grow from two to five feet high. Crushed blade has distinct aroma of lemons. ENVIRONMENT: Pprefers moist soil and full sun.

Are all lemongrass edible?

Cymbopogon citratus
Lemon grass oil is extracted from lemon grass and the inedible type of lemon grass commonly referred to as citronella grass.

Which lemon grass is best?

But while only the lower bulb of the lemongrass stem is edible, every portion of the stalk has a role to play in the kitchen. The fibrous upper section of the stalk is full of tons of lemony, gingery goodness.

What type of lemongrass is used for tea?

The best known cultivated variety is ornamental lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), which is prominently featured in Cambodian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines. The plant lends a lemony aroma and flavor to soups, curries, teas and other beverages.

Can lemon grass be eaten raw?

Cymbopogon citratus
The lemongrass plant is also commonly known as tanglad, barbed wire grass, citronella grass, and silky heads. The plant has many different species including citronella grass, but the species used for tea is largely Cymbopogon citratus.

Can you eat wild lemongrass?

You can eat the whole lemongrass, including the stalk. However, the stalk itself is tough and hard to chew. For this reason, you may want to remove the stalk before consuming the raw lemongrass.

Is ornamental lemongrass edible?

Native Lemongrass may be harvested when it’s about 30cm tall. Cut leaves and use as needed, or freeze to keep fresh for later. Individual leaves may also be chopped and dried for use as a cooking herb.

Can you use the green part of lemongrass?

It’s a great double-duty plant because of its ornamental grass qualities—and it’s edible. I love drying lemongrass for herbal tea, and come fall, when I fire up the crockpot, I toss it into hearty curries.

What happens if I eat lemongrass?

Only use the bottom white portion of lemongrass. The dark green portion of the stalks can be cut off. (My instinct is always to use them when making stock, but they don’t impart much flavor.)

Can you use all parts of lemongrass?

Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.

How do you pick fresh lemongrass?

To use lemongrass in marinades, stir-fries, salads, spice rubs, and curry pastes, trim the top and base of the stalks—you want to use only the bottom 4 inches or so. Then peel off any dry or tough outer layers before finely chopping or mincing.

How can you tell if lemongrass is bad?

Lemongrass is harvested for both the stalk and foliage. You can begin harvesting lemongrass as soon as the plant is about a foot tall. Cut, twist or break off a stalk that is at least 1/4 inch thick. The most tender part is at the bottom, so remove it as close to the ground as possible.

Does lemon grass grow back every year?

How to tell if lemon grass is bad or spoiled? Lemon grass that is spoiling will typically become soft and discolored; discard any lemon grass that has an off smell or appearance.

Will lemongrass grow back after winter?

Lemongrass is a tender perennial meaning that it does come back every year so long as you take care of it properly. Lemongrass will die if it is exposed to cold weather and frost so while it can live outside all year round in USDA zones 8b and 9, it will need to be taken indoors in other zones.

What happens if you drink lemongrass tea everyday?

In moderately cooler zones, lemongrass may survive the winter and return in the spring from its roots even though the plant’s leaves die back. Lemongrass roots are typically hardy in USDA zones 8b and 9, and in these zones, the plant may return year after year as a perennial.

Is it OK to drink lemongrass tea everyday?

The results of a 2015 study suggest that drinking lemongrass tea infusions daily for 30 days can increase hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and red blood cell count in the body.

How do you harvest lemongrass without killing the plant?

There isn’t enough research on lemongrass tea to recommend a standard dosage for any condition. For dosing recommendations, consult your doctor or a qualified natural health practitioner. To limit your risk of side effects, start with one cup daily. If you tolerate this well, you can drink more.

Do you have to cook lemongrass?

Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.