Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass: A Citrusy and Refreshing Herb for Your Recipes
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a plant in the grass family that has both culinary and medicinal uses. It is also known as citronella, fever grass, or barbed wire grass. Lemon grass has long, thin, green stems that are hollow and tubular. They have a lemony flavor and aroma that can enhance the taste of various dishes and beverages. Lemon grass is also rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that have various health benefits.
What You Need to Know About Lemon Grass
Botanical Name | Family | Origin | Cultivation | Harvesting | Storage | Shelf Life | Packaging | Availability |
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Cymbopogon citratus | Poaceae | Southern Asia, Australia and Africa | Year-round in tropical and subtropical climates | Stems are harvested when mature and dry | Stems are best used fresh or frozen; leaves can be dried or powdered in airtight containers | Stems last for a few weeks in the refrigerator or a few months in the freezer; leaves last for up to a year in a cool and dry place | Boxes with labels or stickers | Worldwide |
How to Choose the Best Lemon Grass for Your Needs
HerbCraft Kenya offers the following varieties of lemon grass:
- Organic Lemon Grass: This is lemon grass that is grown organically without using any synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. It is certified organic by an accredited body and verified by a credible source. Organic lemon grass has a higher quality and safety than conventional lemon grass.
- Conventional Lemon Grass: This is lemon grass that is grown using conventional methods that may involve the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. It is not certified organic and may have lower quality and safety than organic lemon grass.
- Dried Lemon Grass: This is lemon grass that is dried using a natural or artificial process that removes the moisture from it. It has a longer shelf life than fresh lemon grass but may lose some of its flavor, aroma, and nutrients. Dried lemon grass can be rehydrated by soaking it in water before use.
- Frozen Lemon Grass: This is lemon grass that is frozen using a rapid or slow process that preserves its freshness, flavor, aroma, and nutrients. It has a longer shelf life than fresh lemon grass but may become limp or mushy when thawed. Frozen lemon grass can be used directly from the freezer without defrosting.
How to Use Lemon Grass in Your Cooking
Here are some delicious and easy recipes that use lemon grass as an ingredient:
- Lemon Grass Tea: This is a refreshing and healthy drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold. To make it, you need 4 cups of water, 2 stalks of fresh lemon grass (cut into pieces), 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Boil the water in a large pot and add the lemon grass. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water turns yellow. Strain the tea and stir in the honey and lemon juice. Serve hot or chilled.
- Lemon Grass Chicken: This is a succulent and savory chicken dish that can be served with rice, noodles, or salad. To make it, you need 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless), salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 stalks of fresh lemon grass (minced), 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side and transfer to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the lemon grass, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.
- Lemon Grass Soup: This is a creamy and comforting soup that can be enjoyed on a cold day. To make it, you need 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 onion (chopped), 2 potatoes (peeled and diced), 4 cups of vegetable broth, 2 stalks of fresh lemon grass (cut into pieces), salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 cup of heavy cream (optional), and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook the onion for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add the potatoes, broth, and lemon grass and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the lemon grass and puree the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the cream if desired. Serve hot with parsley.
What Our Customers Say About Lemon Grass
Here are some positive feedback from customers who have purchased and used lemon grass from HerbCraft Kenya:
- "I love the freshness and quality of the lemon grass from HerbCraft Kenya. They add so much flavor and aroma to my dishes. I especially like to use them in tea, chicken, soup, or as a garnish. They are also very healthy and nutritious. I highly recommend them to anyone who loves herbs." - Milka W., Nairobi
- "I have been buying lemon grass from HerbCraft Kenya for a long time and I am always satisfied with their service and products. They deliver fast and reliably to my location, anywhere in the world. Their packaging is convenient and attractive, easy to open and close. Their labels or stickers provide useful information about their products, such as name, origin, certification, verification, expiration date, usage instructions." - Ruud G., Amsterdam
- "I am impressed by the variety and innovation of the products from HerbCraft Kenya. They offer both common and exotic varieties of lemon grass, such as organic, conventional, dried, frozen. They also explore new and niche segments of lemon grass, such as potted or edible flower. They create innovative products using lemon grass, such as lemon grass tea, lemon grass chicken, lemon grass soup. They are always ahead of the market and the competition." - Marie H., Antwerp
Answers to Common Questions About Lemon Grass
Here are some answers to common questions that customers may have about lemon grass:
- What are the health benefits of lemon grass? Lemon grass has various health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, preventing infections, reducing inflammation, and supporting bone health. Lemon grass is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, iron, magnesium, zinc, and fiber.
- How to store lemon grass? Lemon grass should be stored in a refrigerated environment to maintain its freshness and quality. Lemon grass can be wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a resealable bag or container. Alternatively, lemon grass can be chopped and frozen in ice cube trays with water or oil. Lemon grass should not be exposed to heat, light, or moisture.
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How to use lemon grass? Lemon grass can be used in various ways, depending on the part of the plant and the type of cuisine. Here are some examples:
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Lemon grass stems: Peel off the outer layers of the stems and cut off the root end. Use a knife or a mortar and pestle to bruise the stems to release their flavor and aroma. Add them to soups , broths , curries , stews , or marinades . Remove them before serving or eat around them.
- Lemon grass leaves: Wash the leaves thoroughly and chop them finely. Use them to flavor teas , beverages , sauces , dips , dressings , or desserts . Sprinkle them on salads , rice , noodles , or meat dishes .
- Lemon grass powder: Measure out the amount of powder you need according to your recipe. Use it as a substitute for fresh or dried lemon grass in soups , broths , curries , stews , marinades , sauces , dips , dressings , or desserts .
Order Lemon Grass from HerbCraft Kenya Today
If you are interested in ordering lemon grass from HerbCraft Kenya or want to learn more about our products and services , please contact us today . You can also visit our website or follow us on our social media channels for more information and updates . We look forward to hearing from you and serving you with our fresh herbs.
- Email: info@herbcraftkenya.com
- Phone: +254 706 926 835
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