1. Introduction

Lemongrass is an aromatic herb that is often used in cooking. Lemongrass is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines such as Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisines. It is also used as a condiment in various dishes, such as curries, soups, stews and marinades. But lemongrass is also becoming increasingly popular in Western cuisine, due to its unique flavor and many health benefits. For example, it is often used in dressings, marinades, sauces, and soups. Lemongrass is also widely used in Caribbean cuisine, especially in Jamaican dishes. In short, lemongrass is now used in many different cuisines worldwide and is a popular condiment in many dishes It has a refreshing citrus flavor and adds a delicious aroma to dishes such as soups, curries and marinades. In this blog post, I'll show you how to use lemongrass in the kitchen, including practical tips and recipes to help you get started.

What is lemongrass

Lemongrass, also known as sereh, is a type of tropical grass that is often used in Asian cuisine for its fresh and citrusy flavor and aroma. Lemongrass has long, stiff leaves that end in a point at the top and are wider at the bottom. It grows in clusters and can reach a height of up to one and a half meters. The part of the plant used in the kitchen is the stem, which is tough and fibrous and has a light green to yellow-brown color.

In addition to its use in the kitchen, lemongrass is also used in traditional medicine for the health benefits it offers. It contains antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help promote healthy digestion and circulation. Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in the kitchen because of the refreshing citrusy flavor and aroma it adds to dishes. In addition, lemongrass is relatively easily available and affordable, making it an attractive ingredient for many people to use in the kitchen.

Image of Robert Lens via Pixabay

2. Lemongrass in the kitchen: an overview

Lemongrass in the kitchen

In the kitchen, lemongrass stalks are mainly used, as they have a unique taste and aroma. The stalks are cut and crushed before being added to dishes, to extract the flavor and aroma. To prepare the stems, the outer leaves are removed, then the hard core is crushed or cut. Often, the stems are first crushed with a pestle or the flat side of a knife to break the fibers and release more flavor. The stalks can then be sliced or finely ground and added to soups, curries, stews, salads and marinades. Sometimes lemongrass leaves are also used to make tea. The leaves are generally not eaten but can be added to the teapot to add a pleasant aroma and flavor to the tea.

Lemongrass nutritional value

Lemongrass is a low-calorie plant that is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
A 100-gram serving of lemongrass contains approximately: