Top 100 Gift Ideas For Plant Lovers 2024
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass is this amazing tropical plant with a bright, lemony scent and flavor. It looks a bit like green onions on steroids, with long, grassy leaves and a thick, bulbous base. I grow it in my herb garden, and the smell alone makes me want to head to the kitchen and whip up something delicious. Lemongrass is super versatile—I use it in everything from soups and curries to teas and even refreshing summer cocktails. If you haven’t tried it before, you’re seriously missing out!
Is lemongrass safe for dogs?
I never worried too much about lemongrass around Bailey, my Beagle. He tends to sniff everything but rarely eats plants. That one time he got into the herb garden, though, he chomped down on a lemongrass stalk before I could stop him. Thankfully, he seemed perfectly fine afterward. I did some research after that and learned a small amount probably wouldn’t hurt, but a big ol’ stalk like he ate could cause tummy troubles. Now, I keep the lemongrass out of reach just to be safe.
How to grow lemongrass?
I got super excited when I first started growing lemongrass – it’s so easy! I actually started mine from a stalk I bought at the grocery store. I cut off the bottom, stuck it in a glass of water, and watched it sprout roots like magic. Once it had a good root system, I potted it in a sunny spot with some decent soil and kept it well-watered. I’ll warn you, though, lemongrass gets huge and spreads fast! Mine practically takes over the container, so I have to divide it every so often to keep it under control.
Does lemongrass repel mosquitoes?
Honestly, I’m not sure how effective lemongrass is at repelling mosquitoes. It contains citronella, which is supposed to be a natural repellent, but I haven’t noticed a huge difference since planting it. On muggy summer nights, those mosquitos still find me no matter what. I love the smell of lemongrass, though, and it makes a fantastic addition to my herb garden, so I keep it around even if it doesn’t ward off the bugs. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to cut fresh stalks for my favorite Thai recipes!
Is lemongrass a perennial?
Well, the answer to this one depends on where I live. Here in the Midwest, lemongrass definitely acts as an annual – those frosty winters are just too much for it. Bummer, I know! But when I lived down in Florida for a bit, my lemongrass thrived year-round. It grew like crazy and kept coming back on its own. If I were in a warmer climate, I’d definitely call it a perennial.
Where to buy lemongrass?
My go-to place for buying lemongrass is usually an Asian grocery store. They always seem to have the freshest stalks with those nice, thick bases. If I’m in a hurry, I can sometimes find it at my regular supermarket, but the selection usually isn’t as good. I’ve also heard of people having luck ordering it online, though I’ve never personally tried that out myself. Sometimes, if my herb garden is in full swing, I don’t even need to go to the store since I have a nice supply growing at home!
How to use lemongrass?
I absolutely adore the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass. My favorite way to use it is in Thai dishes – it’s essential for a good Tom Kha Gai soup or a spicy curry. I usually trim the ends, bash the stalks a bit to release the flavor, and then add them right to the pot. I’ll fish the pieces out before serving, though, since they’re too tough to eat. I’ve also used lemongrass to make tea – it’s so refreshing, especially with a bit of honey and ginger. Sometimes, I even throw finely chopped lemongrass into summery salads for a burst of zesty flavor.
Is lemongrass safe for cats?
While I love the smell and taste of lemongrass, I learned the hard way that it’s not such a great idea to let my cat, Whiskers, munch on it. Turns out, it can be mildly toxic to cats. Thankfully, it mostly just seems to give him a bit of an upset stomach if he eats a decent amount. The one time he went wild on my lemongrass plant, he threw up all over the carpet! Now I try to keep it out of reach, just to be safe.
How to cook with lemongrass?
Cooking with lemongrass is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen! Its bright citrus flavor brings my favorite Thai and Vietnamese dishes to life. Usually, I start by trimming the root end and the tough outer leaves of the stalk, then give it a good smash with the flat side of my knife – this helps release all that delicious flavor. Sometimes, I add the whole bruised stalks to simmer in soups and curries, then remove them before serving. If I want a more subtle lemongrass hit, I’ll slice or mince the tender inner core and add it to stir-fries, marinades, or even dressings.
How to harvest lemongrass?
I love harvesting lemongrass! It’s simple, and you get that amazing fresh scent as a bonus. I usually wait until the stalks are at least a half-inch thick and nice and firm. To harvest, I grasp a stalk near the base, then twist and pull gently. Sometimes the whole stalk (roots and all) will come out, sometimes it snaps right off at ground level. The lower, thicker part is what I usually use in cooking, so I’ll trim off the grass-like leaves and the tough root end. If I need re-grow the plant, I might even stick the root back in the soil!
How to make lemongrass tea?
Lemongrass tea is one of my favorite ways to relax on a warm summer day. It’s so easy to make and super refreshing! I start by bruising some lemongrass stalks to unlock their flavor– either by bashing them with a mallet or cutting them into smaller pieces. Then, I boil some water and let the lemongrass steep for a few minutes. I love adding a slice of ginger to the mix for an extra flavor kick. Once it’s steeped, I strain out the lemongrass, add a bit of honey for sweetness, and chill it in the fridge. It’s even better over ice!
What does lemongrass look like?
Lemongrass looks kind of like a super-sized green onion. It grows in tall clumps with long, slender leaves that have a slightly bluish-green tint. The base of the plant is where the magic happens – it’s thick, bulbous, and whitish in color.
The stalks themselves have a tough outer layer, but the inner core is softer and has that wonderful citrusy aroma.
What does lemongrass taste like?
Lemongrass has a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of floral sweetness and a bit of a gingery bite. It definitely lives up to its name with a strong lemony taste at the forefront. It’s really unique and refreshing!
Some people describe it as a mix between lemon and lemon mint. It’s not as sour as a lemon, and it’s less intense than some other herbs like cilantro or basil.
What is lemongrass tea good for?
While I enjoy lemongrass tea mostly for its delicious flavor and refreshing qualities, it’s said to have some potential health benefits too. People often drink it to help with digestion – it seems to settle my stomach a bit if I’ve eaten something a little too rich. It’s also supposed to have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which is always a bonus! Plus, I find the process of making and sipping a hot cup of lemongrass tea to be incredibly relaxing, which can be great for stress levels.
What does lemongrass smell like?
Lemongrass has the most amazing scent – it smells like a burst of citrusy sunshine! It’s got a strong lemony aroma, but with a slightly zestier and fresher quality than actual lemons. There’s also a hint of sweetness and a subtle floral note to it. If you crush the leaves or bruise the stalk, the scent gets even more intense. It’s one of my favorite smells in the whole world!
How to store lemongrass?
I’ve got a few ways I like to store lemongrass, depending on how quickly I plan to use it:
- Short-term (a week or so): I’ll wrap the stalks loosely in a slightly damp paper towel and pop them in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
- Longer-term (a couple of weeks or more): For longer storage, I freeze the lemongrass! I either chop the stalks into smaller pieces or freeze them whole. If I chop them, I sometimes like to portion them out beforehand in ice cube trays with a bit of water.
- The super lazy method: Sometimes, if I’m feeling lazy, I’ll just trim the ends of the stalks, stick them in a glass of water, and keep it on my countertop. It doesn’t last as long as the other methods, but it works well for a few days.
Does lemongrass repel bugs?
The jury’s still out on how effective lemongrass truly is when it comes to repelling bugs. It contains citronella oil, which is a natural ingredient used in some bug repellents. So, the theory is that lemongrass might make your yard less attractive to bugs, especially mosquitos. But, I haven’t personally noticed it making a huge difference – maybe it helps a little? It’s a beautiful plant regardless, and I love the smell, so I’ll keep it around even if it’s not the ultimate bug-buster.
Can you freeze lemongrass?
Absolutely! Freezing lemongrass is a great way to preserve it and have some on hand whenever I need it. I usually trim the ends of the stalks and either:
- Freeze whole: Wrap them loosely in plastic wrap or foil and pop them into a freezer bag.
- Chopped: Chop the lemongrass into smaller pieces and freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, I’ll transfer the pieces to a freezer bag for easier storage.
Sometimes I like to get fancy and freeze chopped lemongrass with a bit of water in ice cube trays. That way, I have perfectly portioned cubes ready to toss into recipes!
How to make lemongrass paste?
I love making lemongrass paste – it’s such a flavor powerhouse for all my favorite Southeast Asian dishes! Here’s a simple way to make it:
Ingredients:
- Several stalks of lemongrass (trimmed and roughly chopped)
- A few cloves of garlic, peeled
- A thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
- A shallot or two, sliced
- A splash of neutral oil (like vegetable or grapeseed)
- Spices to taste (optional): a pinch of turmeric powder, chili flakes for a kick, a bit of galangal
Equipment:
- Food processor or blender
Instructions:
- Prep your ingredients: Trim the ends of the lemongrass stalks and remove any tough outer layers. Roughly chop the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and shallots.
- Blitz it up: Toss all the ingredients into your food processor or blender. Add a splash of oil to help everything blend smoothly.
- Pulse until smooth: Process the mixture until it forms a thick, fragrant paste. If it seems too dry, add a touch more oil.
- Spice it up (optional): If you like, add a pinch of turmeric powder, some chili flakes, or a bit of finely chopped galangal for an extra layer of flavor.
- Store it: Transfer the lemongrass paste to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
Do deer eat lemongrass?
Generally, deer aren’t big fans of lemongrass. Its strong citrusy smell and tough-textured leaves usually deter them. Think of deer as picky eaters – they prefer tender young plants and avoid things with strong scents or flavors.
However, it’s not a foolproof solution. If a deer is super hungry and its usual food sources are scarce, it might take a nibble on anything, including lemongrass. So, while it’s a decent deterrent, it’s not a guaranteed way to keep deer out of your garden.
