Thai dishes have a certain underlying citrusy aroma which is lemongrass. Keep reading to learn how to mince lemongrass to add a little extra flavor to your dishes, as well as the other ways that you can make use of this unique herb.
What Is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is an herb that carries a characteristically citrusy scent. Its flavor consists of lemon, hints of ginger, and flower or minty notes.
Lemongrass is produced from the stalk of a lemongrass plant known as Cymbopogon citratus. It grows in tropical climates and is widespread in Southeast Asia, where it is a staple in the cuisine.
Lemongrass has a signature citrusy aroma that perfumes the dishes of many Asian cuisines, such as Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese.
It’s a great choice for dishes that require prolonged cooking as its aroma is able to withstand it. It is a popular choice for soups, curries, and even drinks. Plus, you can use it to enhance chicken, stir fry, meat, or anything else.
Where to Find It
Although many grocery stores carry lemongrass, your best bet is to head down to your local Asian grocery store, where you will find fresh lemongrass. Stalks are about one foot long and usually sold in three or four groupings, tied together with an elastic band. Be sure to choose firm, greenish-white stalks that have fresh-looking tips. If the stalk feels soft or rubbery, or the leaves are crusty or brown, that means the stalk is too old.
If you can’t find fresh lemongrass at the grocery store, you can try looking in the frozen section for packs of stalks.
Lemongrass should last a long time. You can wrap leftover stalks in plastic and keep them in the fridge for a few weeks, or you can put them in the freezer for up to six months.
You can also find lemongrass in dried or powder form, although fresh lemongrass is always preferable for the aroma that it delivers.
Health Benefits
Lemongrass can be beneficial for your health. In many cultures, lemongrass tea is traditionally used for relieving anxiety. It also has a diuretic effect against bloating. There have been other studies that suggest it may relieve oral infections.
Lemongrass oil is also high in citral and limonene, which suggests it may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The oil is used in aromatherapy and as an essential oil.
There have even been studies that have found that a lemongrass oil solution applied to the scalp can help soothe it and reduce dandruff.
How to Use Lemongrass
Lemongrass can be used in one of two ways – it can be infused into a liquid or a dish while cooking and removed before serving, or it can be minced up and thrown right into a dish.
If you choose to mince up lemongrass, be sure that you give it enough time to cook down and soften, as lemongrass is quite fibrous and stringy, making it difficult to chew.
Cooking with Lemongrass
- Soups
- Curry
- Ground pork
- Cold drinks (i.e. lemonade)
- Cocktails
- Herbal teas
- Medicines
- Essential oils
Lemongrass is also used in a variety of cosmetics, such as soaps, perfumes, and deodorants, and is also used to make Vitamin A supplements.
You should only use dried lemongrass in dishes where it has time to rehydrate, such as soups and tea, or else it may stay in its dry state once the dish is done. Do not use dried lemongrass in a stir fry! Make sure to remove the dried lemongrass from a dish before serving or strain it out if being used in soup or a drink.
How to Mince Lemongrass
Before using lemongrass, you’ll want to get rid of the sharp, woody parts to make it more palatable to chew. The middle part is what is most commonly used in cooking.
Start by cutting off the top and enough of the bottom so that you no longer see a woody core. Then you will want to peel away the outer layers until only the tender heart of the stalk is remaining.
You then want to release the aromas of the lemongrass stalk. To do this, take the back of your knife and smash the stalk. If you do not plan on mincing, you can cut the stalk into two to three-inch pieces and create slices along the stalk to help release the lemon flavor. You can then add them to the soup or curry that you are cooking, but be sure to remove them before serving.
Slice the stalk into several thin pieces and then chop through the slices until they’re minced. You’re then ready to use your minced lemongrass to add a bright flavor to a variety of dishes.
You also have the option of placing the lemongrass in a food processor before using it. Make sure that you still use a knife to release the oils and aromas before adding your stalks to the food processor.
Lemon Balm vs Lemon Grass: Key Differences Explained
Originating from different parts of the world, lemon balm is a European herb, and lemongrass is an Asian grass. Although both plants offer citrus flavors, lemongrass has a more potent aroma, while lemon balm provides a calming effect.
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has light green rounded leaves with scalloped edges, typically growing no taller than 2.5 feet. On the other hand, lemongrass forms large, fountain-shaped clumps and can reach significant heights.
Key Differences
Flavor and Aroma
Lemon balm and lemongrass both offer a lemony flavor, but they differ in strength and aroma. Lemon balm has a mild, sweet flavor, and lemongrass has a more intense, zesty taste. Aromatically, lemongrass has a stronger fragrance than lemon balm, driven by its essential compounds like citral and geraniol.
Origin and Habitat
Lemon balm is an herb native to Europe, whereas lemongrass traces its roots to Southeast Asia. Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and typically grows to a height of 2.5 feet. In contrast, lemongrass is a type of grass that can grow much taller and forms large, fountain-shaped clumps.
Herb Family
As stated earlier, lemon balm is a part of the mint family and shares certain similarities with other mint varieties in terms of appearance and flavor. Lemongrass is a grass variety and not related to mint or other herbs.
Health Benefits
Lemon balm has Vitamin C, Vitamin A and has astringent properties, which may help with digestion, skin health, and stress relief. Lemongrass has antimicrobial properties, which may help with inflammation and support immune system health.
FAQs
What does lemongrass taste like?
Lemongrass has a unique, citrusy flavor with a hint of herbal notes. It is slightly sweet and sour, making it a popular ingredient in many dishes, especially in Asian cuisines.
How to freeze lemongrass
- Wash the lemongrass stalks and pat dry.
- Cut off the root end and any overly tough parts of the stalks.
- Place the lemongrass pieces or stalks in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring there is minimal air inside.
- Seal the bag or container tightly and label it with the date of freezing.
- Store the lemongrass in the freezer for up to six months.
- To use frozen lemongrass, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw. You can then add it directly to your recipes as needed.
Why is my lemongrass turning purple?
Lemongrass might turn purple or develop purple spots when exposed to colder temperatures. Additionally, a lack of necessary nutrients, particularly phosphorus, can cause purple coloring.
