Herb - Lemon Grass

The Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon citratus, is a very fragrant grass and it is a versatile performer in the kitchen where it can be used in teas, beverages, herbal medicines, and Eastern inspired soups and other dishes. The leaves of this plant are used for many medicinal purposes. They can be dried and used in the making of Vietnamese and Thai curries. This tropical grass grows in dense clumps that can grow to 6 ft in height. The straplike leaves have gracefully drooping tips. The evergreen leaves are bright bluish-green and release a citrus aroma when crushed. It is the leaves that are used as flavoring and in medicine. They are steam distilled to extract lemongrass oil, an old standby in the the perfumer's palette of scents. Gardeners in subtropical areas will enjoy using lemongrass in beds and borders. It also does well in tubs and containers. If you live in a frosty area, you can enjoy it as an annual. You can also pot it up for the winter and keep it in a brightly lit area indoors. ... more information