Lemon Grass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is native to India, and is an important ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking. It is a tender perennial with a mild lemony fragrance and a lemon-citrus type taste. It can be easily found in most Asian countries, and is widely cultivated in tropical areas. By nature, lemon grass is a permanent or perennial plant, and the benefits of which are not restricted to its fragrance. The utility of lemongrass basically lies in its leaves, where all the benefits are derived. It grows to up to 6 feet under ideal conditions in the tropics, and to about 3 feet in more northerly climates, so use it as a mid to back of the border plant. It makes a nice contrasting backdrop for most any shorter annual or perennial flower or herb.

Lemon grass is a long thick grass with leaves at the top and a solid portion several inches long at the root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded and used in cooking. As a spice, fresh lemon grass is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but is also sold in dried form. The dried spice is available in several forms: chopped in slices, cut and sifted, powdered, or as oil can be extracted from the plant.

Its common common names include lemon grass, lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass,cha de Dartigalongue, fever grass, Hierba Luisa or Gavati Chaha.