Lemongrass

Lemongrass is liquid light — clean, citrusy, and sharply awakening. It cuts through stagnation with clarity and precision, clearing both palate and mind. Its flavor is more than lemon; it’s green, floral, and subtly earthy, like sunlight refracted through rain. Lemongrass doesn’t just add freshness — it restores balance, bringing brightness to both sweet and savory worlds.

VOLUME

Loud

FLAVOR PAIRINGS

Lime, lemon, orange, yuzu, kaffir lime leaf, ginger, galangal, turmeric, chili, garlic, shallot, onion, coriander seed, cumin, fennel seed, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, star anise, mint, basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, rosemary, coconut, coconut milk, coconut cream, almond milk, oat milk, cashew cream, soy sauce, tamari, miso, tahini, sesame, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, peanuts, cashews, macadamia, rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, lentils, zucchini, carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, cucumber, kale, spinach, watercress, mango, pineapple, papaya, guava, passionfruit, kiwi, apple, pear, green grape, pomegranate, lemongrass syrup, herbal teas, tonics, elixirs, vegan soups, curries, broths, marinades, dressings, and sorbets.

SELECTING

Choose firm, pale-green lemongrass stalks with a fresh citrus aroma. The base should be plump and moist, not dry or woody. Younger stalks are more tender and aromatic; older ones are fibrous but still valuable for infusions.

HOW TO USE

Trim the dry ends and outer layers. Bruise or slice the inner stalk for teas, broths, and marinades. Simmer in curries, soups, and sauces to infuse brightness. For drinks and desserts, use finely chopped or steeped lemongrass for a clean, aromatic lift. Pair with coconut or ginger to balance sharpness.

STORING

Store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator wrapped in damp cloth or paper for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze trimmed stalks or blend into paste. Dried lemongrass should be kept in airtight glass jars away from heat and light.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Lemon zest and ginger for a bright, zesty approximation. Kaffir lime leaf or lemon balm for aromatic depth. Citronella or lemon verbena for light, floral citrus notes.

HEALTH BENEFITS

A natural cleanser and circulatory tonic, rich in antioxidants and essential oils. Supports digestion, detoxification, and mental clarity. Energetically cooling — calms inflammation, clears heat, and restores equilibrium to the nervous system.

CONCERNS

Excess consumption may lower blood pressure or irritate sensitive stomachs. Always strain fibrous parts before serving in beverages.

HISTORY

Native to Southeast Asia, lemongrass has long been revered in Ayurvedic and Thai traditions as both food and medicine. Burned to purify spaces, steeped to soothe the body, it embodies purification — a botanical flame that clears stagnation and awakens renewal.