Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:6261264 - Herb and Spice Companion_001-145.indd 62 3/7/15 5:10 pm
(Text)HERB & SPICE COMPANION- 62 –
LEMONGRASS
Cymbopogon citratus
Flavors: tangy, tart lemon with
hints of floral, mint, ginger, and
pepperCool, fresh lemongrass is a favorite flavoring in Indonesian, Malay, Thai, and Vietnamese
cuisines. It features prominently in intricately flavored Malaysian dishes that crisscross
between sweet and sour, salty and spicy,
and citrus and fish. Lemongrass flavor
deepens as it cooks, so add early during
cooking for an intense effect, or wait
until later for a lighter seasoning. Stalks
can be bruised or crushed to release fla-
vor during cooking (then removed before
serving), or finely chopped, minced, or
pounded to a soft pulp.
Lemongrass is also available in dried
powder form, called sereh powder; one
teaspoon of sereh powder provides a
comparable flavor to one fresh stalk.In the Garden
Lemongrass, a perennial, grows naturally in tropical, sunny climates. In cold climates, lem-
ongrass will grow well indoors in a container when treated to lots of direct sunlight. Just
move your lemongrass outside in spring after the last frost and back inside for the winter.
Size: Up to 6 feet
Container: 16 inches in diameter or 5 gallons
Light: Full sun
Soil: Moist, rich, well drained
Plant: Stalks, with tops and decaying layers removed. Place in a glass of water in a
sunny window for a few weeks (changing the water every day), until it grows roots
that are 1 to 2 inches long.HEALTH BENEFITS
Lemongrass can promote healthy
digestion and is often consumed
as a tea for its stomach-calming
effects, including relief from cramps,
vomiting, and diarrhea. Its relaxing
aroma makes it one of the top-
selling essential oils in the world,
believed to reduce anxiety and ease
muscle pain, joint pain, headaches,
and stomachaches.Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:6261264 - Herb and Spice Companion_001-145.indd 62 3/7/15 5:12 pm