Cutting lemon grass for use in the kitchen

Content

• Cutting lemon grass for use in the kitchen
• Carefully cut out bulbs
• Clean lemongrass
• Use in the kitchen
• Lemon grass tea, an exotic refreshment
  
• Tips & Tricks

Cutting lemon grass for use in the kitchen

Lemongrass is not a citrus plant, but owes its name to the delicate lemon fragrance that exudes the plant. If you like to cook Asian, lemongrass is an indispensable condiment that gives many exotic foods their typical flavor. The spice tastes freshest harvested most intensively and can excellently cultivate on the windowsill and during the summer months outdoors.

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Carefully cut out bulbs

Fresh lemongrass stalks can be cut during the entire growth phase. In order for the plant to develop vigorously, you should choose a nest, on the side of which one or more new shoots are already showing. Carefully separate the stems without damaging the delicate roots.

During the winter months you should not cut lemongrass. During this time remove only yellow leaves, which cost the plant unnecessary energy.

Clean lemongrass

Completely remove the outer stems as they are usually very tough and inedible. Stems with brown spots are also selected. Wash the stems carefully and cut off the lower third and the branched roots.

Use in the kitchen

Then, cut in the length of the stalk slightly, so that you can remove the hard outer layers. The inside white parts of the stalks are relatively delicate and can be added to fine rings cut foods, sauces or dips. Alternatively, you can squeeze the stems with a platter iron or knife, cook with them, and remove from the food before serving. Tailored as a whole, the stalks serve as attractive skewers for Asian poultry or fish rolls, to which they add an interesting tart note.

Lemon grass tea, an exotic refreshment

Since the aroma in the green parts of the plant is extremely intense, they are actually too good to throw away. From them you can prepare pleasant sour lemongrass tea, which is very refreshing on hot days. For a cup of tea, you'll need a heaped teaspoon of minced lemongrass to fill in a disposable teabag. Pour the lemongrass over with boiling water and let the tea soak for about five to ten minutes.

Tips & Tricks

Occasionally, the lemon grass in the pot grows mightily in the air, but does not develop any new shoots. In this case, cut off the green parts of the plant a few inches above the white top. So the new shoot is stimulated and the plant has enough power to form new storage organs.

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