Plant FAQs: Lemongrass

Lemongrass

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a fragrant, tall, and thin stalk used in many Asian dishes and teas; it adds a refreshing citrus flavor that’s hard to miss.

Is lemongrass safe for dogs?

I’ve found that lemongrass isn’t safe for dogs as it can cause digestive upset, so I keep it out of their reach.

How to grow lemongrass?

Growing lemongrass is straightforward for me; I just start it from a stalk in water and then transplant it when it roots well.

Does lemongrass repel mosquitoes?

In my experience, lemongrass does a decent job repelling mosquitoes, especially when planted in the garden.

Is lemongrass a perennial?

Lemongrass has been a reliable perennial in my garden, coming back year after year with minimal effort.

Where to buy lemongrass?

I usually find lemongrass at local farmers’s markets or specialty grocery stores, and sometimes I even grow my own.

How to use lemongrass?

I love using lemongrass in cooking; it’s great in soups and curries for adding a bright, lemony note.

Is lemongrass safe for cats?

Lemongrass is safe for cats, but I always make sure they don’t munch on it too much, as it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

How to cook with lemongrass?

Cooking with lemongrass involves bruising it to release its oils; it’s a key ingredient in many of my favorite Thai dishes.

How to harvest lemongrass?

Harvesting lemongrass is simple; I just trim the outer stalks, leaving the inner ones to keep growing.

How to make lemongrass tea?

Making lemongrass tea is easy—just steep a few stalks in hot water for a soothing, lemony brew.

What does lemongrass look like?

Lemongrass looks like a bunch of tall, thin green stalks with a pale, bulbous base, almost like a mini leek.

What does lemongrass taste like?

The taste of lemongrass is tangy and citrusy, with a hint of ginger, which adds a unique depth to dishes.

What is lemongrass tea good for?

I find lemongrass tea excellent for aiding digestion and providing a calming effect, perfect for relaxing after a meal.

What does lemongrass smell like?

The smell of lemongrass is wonderfully fresh and citrusy, reminding me of a tropical garden.

How to store lemongrass?

I store lemongrass in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Does lemongrass repel bugs?

Lemongrass does help repel bugs, and I often plant it around my outdoor seating area to keep the pests at bay.

Can you freeze lemongrass?

Freezing lemongrass is a handy trick; I chop and freeze it in portions to use later in recipes.

How to make lemongrass paste?

Making lemongrass paste involves blending chopped lemongrass with garlic and ginger, creating a flavorful base for many dishes.

Do deer eat lemongrass?

From what I’ve seen, deer generally don’t eat lemongrass, so it’s a good choice for a deer-resistant garden.

Lemongrass vs Citronella

In my garden, I’ve found that lemongrass has a much subtler, more citrusy flavor compared to citronella, which has a stronger, more pungent aroma that’s great for repelling insects but not ideal for cooking.

Lemongrass vs Lemon Balm

I’ve used lemon balm in teas and dishes, and while it has a pleasant lemony taste, it lacks the bright, crisp flavor of lemongrass that really stands out in recipes.

Lemongrass vs Green Onion

For a fresh, zesty punch in stir-fries, lemongrass outshines green onion with its unique citrus flavor, though green onion offers a milder, oniony taste that I find useful for salads and soups.

Lemongrass vs Lemon

When adding a citrus kick to dishes, lemongrass provides a complex, herbal lemon flavor that lemon can’t quite replicate, though lemon’s tartness is indispensable for baking and drinks.

Lemongrass vs Lemon Verbena

Lemongrass and lemon verbena both bring bright citrus notes, but I find lemon verbena’s flavor to be more delicate and floral, whereas lemongrass has a more robust and earthy quality.

Lemongrass vs Chives

I love chives for their subtle onion flavor in salads, but lemongrass gives a more vibrant and aromatic zing to dishes that chives just can’t match, especially in Thai cooking.

Lemongrass vs Fever Grass

I’ve used fever grass and lemongrass interchangeably in recipes, but lemongrass has a more pronounced citrus flavor that really enhances dishes, while fever grass tends to be milder and a bit more grassy.

Lemongrass vs Green Tea

Lemongrass in tea has a wonderfully fresh, citrusy taste that’s different from green tea’s earthy undertones, which I enjoy more for its soothing and antioxidant properties.

Lemongrass vs Wheatgrass

Lemongrass gives a refreshing, lemony flavor to dishes, whereas wheatgrass is more of a health boost with its grassy taste, which I usually only tolerate in smoothies rather than culinary recipes.

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