Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical grass that is grown in India, southeast Asia, Africa and central America. The grass thrives in sandy in hot climates with a lot of rain.
The grass has a bulb like root at the bottom of the stalk and is used like an herb. It does taste like lemon.
Lemon grass can be used fresh, dried or as a powder.
The chopped stalk is used in soups and stews to add flavour but is hard to eat. If you are going to eat the lemon grass stalk then you should pound it into a paste before adding to the dish. Most people avoid eating the lemon grass stalk because it stays so fibrous.
The grass is used in tea (in Africa) as well as to flavour chicken, pork and fish dishes.
Medicinally, lemon grass is used to relieve flatulence and as a sedative.
Lemon grass is also used in perfumes.
Lemon grass is popular as a tea in Africa. Here’s a simple recipe that you can try.
Finely chop 3 stalks of lemon grass
Add the lemon grass and 4 teaspoons of Indian tealeaves (Darjeeling or Assam) to 1 litre of water and bring to the boil.
Simmer for 4 minutes.
Strain and serve hot.
Add milk and sugar to taste.
