Lemongrass has an herbaceous aroma and citrus flavor that works in both sweet and savory dishes.
The herb's stalk acts as a flavoring ingredient in many foods. It has a refreshing aroma similar to lemon and can serve as an alternative to tea.
Lemongrass contains a compound called citral, which is known to be an antioxidant. It's also used for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and even anti-cancer (especially of the stomach) properties. Moreover, its refreshing aroma and delicious flavor can bring therapeutic benefits.
Want to learn more about this delicious ingredient? Read on.
A Brief History of Lemongrass in Food
Native to tropical areas, including Africa and Southeast Asia, lemongrass has long been used for therapeutic, aesthetic, and culinary purposes. For example, natives have employed lemongrass as a flavoring ingredient in drinks, desserts, and other cuisines in India, China, and Thailand. In addition, lemongrass can aid in better digestion, increase circulation and immunity, fight off infections, and ease irregular menstruation cycles.
Lemongrass was once used to flavor soups, curries, and a local beverage called "fever tea" in Sri Lanka and East India. Besides fever, this tea treats skin infections, irregular periods, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
Different Ways to Use Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a fragrant, lemony herb that may be used in the home and kitchen, and landscaping. Here's how to introduce them into your life:
Extra flavor to your dish
Lemongrass is an excellent method to add a mild lemon taste to your cuisine. A bit goes a long way when adding something extra to a meal, like chives in the kitchen. However, lemongrass must be finely diced or eliminated from the recipe before serving due to its woody texture.
Ward the insects off
Lemongrass is an effective insect repellent. One excellent technique to disperse the scent throughout a sizable area to help ward off insects is to place a pan of water containing lemongrass over your fire pit or grill—similarly, light summer bonfires with a few handfuls of dried or fresh lemongrass to ward off insects.
Aromatherapy plus a healthy tea
Lemongrass may emit its aroma when simmered indoors, infusing your space with a relaxing and stress-relieving fragrance. Lemongrass has natural essential oils extracted by steaming the plant, so you can use it in your garden for aromatherapy to relieve tension. You can also drink the resulting tea to get an extra impact.
Essential oil
Medical professionals use lemongrass essential oil to treat high blood pressure and stomach issues. This herb has numerous additional potential health advantages. Aromatherapists frequently use lemongrass essential oil to reduce tension, anxiety, and distress.
How to Preserve Lemongrasses for Later Use
Lemongrass will last indefinitely if properly stored. To preserve your lemongrass for later use, follow these:
Step 1
Gently wrap the stalks in a towel. They will remain flavorful and fresh in the fridge for a few weeks. Otherwise, they will stay in the freezer, either uncut or prepared.
Step 2
Consider putting shredded, chopped, or pounded lemongrass into an empty ice tray for future hassle-free use. This will give you the luxury of grabbing them, putting them into your glass, and then drinking.
Step 3
Lemongrass should be stored, dried, and powdered in dark, airtight containers. This step is crucial to keep the natural form of lemongrass as much as possible.
Pros and Cons of Cooking with Lemongrass
One ingredient is not a fit-all-of-a-kind. For example, while cooking lemongrass is beneficial, it may also have disadvantages.
Pros
Lemongrass may provide several health advantages. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidants, are abundant in lemongrass. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities and is potent against bacteria and fungi.
Cons
According to some reports, pregnant women should avoid lemongrass. Although there isn't much proof that lemongrass can start menstruation, there is some worry that it can result in a miscarriage. More research is required to discover whether lemongrass is safe while pregnant.
The Benefits of Lemongrass for Your Body and Soul
Lemongrass is a powerful herb with numerous health benefits for your body and soul. It has been historically used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, from digestive problems to anxiety. This is because lemongrass consists of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that can help improve your overall health.
The benefits of lemongrass are vast and varied, from boosting your immune system to soothing inflammation and reducing stress. Lemongrass can provide you satisfaction, whether you're looking for a natural way to detoxify your body or want to enjoy the refreshing aroma of this fragrant herb.
Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Lemongrass essential oil is used in various ways because of its astounding benefits. However, it's also crucial to note the side effects of this product, so we'll cover them all:
Uses
People can massage their skin with lemongrass essential oil mixed with carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil. Another technique is to add a few drops to boiling water and breathe in the steam while closing your eyes and covering your head with a towel. You can also place lemongrass essential oil in an oil diffuser.
Benefits
Research reported that a gel containing 2% lemongrass essential oil inhibited the development of gum disease-causing bacteria. Additionally, lemongrass has potent antioxidant properties and is excellent at eliminating free radicals.
Lemongrass oil can lower diastolic blood pressure when used in massage therapy. It may also help treat headaches. Additionally, the eugenol in lemongrass essential oil may aid in treating diarrhea, upset stomach, and discomfort.
Side Effects
Lemongrass essential oil has the potential to itch and rash the skin. Along with stinging and dryness, lemongrass essential oil can also irritate mucosal membranes like those in the vaginal region. Therefore, avoiding using it on the face or adding oil to the bathwater is advised.
Conclusion
What does lemongrass taste like? Lemongrass has a citrusy taste, much like ginger. is a flavoring ingredient that works in both sweet and savory dishes. Natives in tropical areas have long used it for therapeutic, aesthetic, and culinary purposes.
This herb works in various ways, from serving extra flavor to dishes to reducing tension, anxiety, and distress. If you're done in the kitchen and still have stalks left, you can follow the steps to preserve them.
Lemongrass essential oil works magically and provides fantastic benefits in many ways. So add lemongrass to your fridge and let its coolness do the work for you.
