Lemongrass is a various herb , respect in the kitchen and known for its medicative properties . This plant life gets its name and unequalled flavor from citral , the same chemical substance chemical compound that gives lemon peels their invigorating scent . Sometimes erroneously call up citronella grass , Cymbopogon citratuslends its feel to ethnic dishes , teas and more .
The Master Gardener Program at the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension says that of the 55 specie in the genusCymbopogon , West Indian lemongrass oil ( C. citratus ) is what ’s typically used for cooking . This miscellany can facilitate repel insects , yet is also used to attract love bees by mimic the bee ’ own pheromone . Other known use for lemongrass include :
Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass perform as a perennial in USDA zones 8 and warm , loves full Dominicus , and can handle vivid heat as long as you do n’t let its roots dry out out . If given well - drain , rich territory , one ball of lemongrass can well grow into a mound 3 - plus feet tall and 6 feet extensive , so choose your location well . I planted my 4 - in pot in a smear up by our kitty , recollect it would look tropical and lend fragrance to sunbathing . It did , but by the end of summer , that niggling plant dominated the whole end of the garden bed !
Overwinter lemongrass in zona 1 to 7 by digging a clod of roots , trimming stalks to a few inch magniloquent , and plant in potful . Lemongrass will fill the container you put it in , and root word expansion can smash a hatful that ’s too small pot , so start with one at least 12 inch diameter . go under the deal in a cheery spot indoors and keep barely damp , or salt away in a nerveless , dark place , water just enough to keep the root awake . Once nighttime - fourth dimension temperatures reach 40 degree or above , transplant outdoors . Pests are nigh nil , though spider mites might infest when lemongrass is overwintered indoors .
Propagation is easy — if the lemongrass oil you corrupt from your market produce subdivision contains the entire base , take a few sections before you ’ve peeled them , spot in a methamphetamine hydrochloride of water , and set it in a gay location . Before too long , you ’ll see little base begin to sprout . When they ’ve reached an inch or more in length , transplant into a pot or the gay garden spot , water on a regular basis and revel .
Use Lemongrass
The first prison term I cooked with lemon grass , I neglected to search exactly what part to harvest . I just grabbed my kitchen shear , chopped off a overnice handful of the arching leaves , washed them , cut off to 1 - inch distance and threw them in my Tom Kha Gai soup . The flavor was incredible . However , the sens did n’t droop into nice lilliputian edible shoot as I gestate : It was tougher than celery train and sharp on the edge .
Since then , I ’ve learned that while the stem and leaves are great for infusing flavor into teas and broths , you ’ll want to bundle them together so you could take them out after . It is the green onion - like base you ’re after if you ’re going to be run through lemongrass . When stem fundament are at least 1/2 column inch compact , you may take out or ignore them off the main glob . Peel the outer layer to let on the white inside part . slice is easier if you crush the base with the flat tire of your tongue .
This inner chaff lends an Asiatic smell to your hustle - fry , and pizazz to salads and sauce , as well . Freeze leftovers in zipper - sealed bag , pre - sliced , or slice when part thawed . Alternately , purée and use by the teaspoonful , freezing leftovers .
Julian Melville
If you ’re ineffective to employ all the fresh leaves during the develop season , glean a bunch to bundle , give ear to dry , then store in tightly sealed container . Dried lemon grass will stay potent for up to a year if not display to light . The dry out leaves are big many of the same purposes you ’d use the unused leaves . Alternately , scatter grass stems around your terrace , porch or pool to aid ward off worm . Other uses for lemongrass oil admit but are not limited to :
All in all , whether you corrode it , toast it , hold it , smell it , or more , you ’ll be heavily put to find a plant as versatile and tasty . Maybe there ’s a corner of your yard or garden waiting to host its own fit of lemongrass !
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