Lemongrass, Cymbopogon Citratus, Asian herbs for Asian cuisine
Lemongrass is a herbal plant and spices the Asian cuisine. It is the Asian pendant to our parsley and gives Asian dishes a light freshness. Here you can find lemongrass cut, from 25 gr - 5oo gr to buy in our spice shop.
Lemongrass cut
Everybody knows the scent of lemongrass; the contained oil Citral is an ingredient for the production of anti-mosquito candles and fragrance oils. Not everyone knows that lemongrass is a spice in Asian Cuisine. It is a very aromatic plant that belongs to the sweet grass family, cultivated in tropical Asia and South America. It has a stature height of 1 to a maximum of 2 meters.
Lemongrass belongs in almost every dish in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. In Thailand, it is called Takrai, Takhrai Hom, Chakrai, Krai, or Soet kroei. The unique thing about it is that it rounds off a dish with its aroma - perfect but never overlaid. It is precisely for this reason that it is becoming increasingly popular with us today.
Culinary use of the Asian herb
Lemongrass has a fresh lemon taste, with a light rose aroma and belongs firmly in the Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine. With its fragrance, it rounds off many traditional dishes from these regional cuisines.
Citronella is particularly good at refining fish, seafood, and poultry. It finds use in fish broths, sauces, and especially fish soups. Making ice cream is a bit more experimental. Here it gives it a delicious fresh kick, which I can recommend in the heat of summer.
Citronella is also very popular in tea and herbal tea blends because it gives it an exotic touch. Try it out and put some mint, licorice root, and citronella in a tea egg. Pour boiling water over it and let it steep for 5 minutes.
What Spices and Herbs Can You Combine with Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various spices and herbs to create interesting flavor profiles. Here are some spices and herbs that complement lemongrass:
- Ginger: Ginger and lemongrass complement each other well as they both have a fresh, citrusy note. This combination works particularly well for soups and curries.
- Cilantro: Cilantro leaves or ground coriander pair nicely with lemongrass, giving dishes a fresh, spicy note.
- Garlic: Garlic complements the flavor of lemongrass well and adds a hearty note to dishes.
- Chili: A pinch of chili or chili flakes can add a pleasant spiciness that pairs well with the citrusy aroma of lemongrass.
- Lime Leaves: Lime leaves have a similar citrusy aroma to lemongrass and complement it perfectly. They are often used together in many Asian dishes.
- Cumin: Cumin adds an earthy, warm note to dishes that contrasts well with the fresh flavor of lemongrass.
- Mint: Fresh mint can give the dish a refreshing note and pairs well with the citrusy aroma of lemongrass.
- Turmeric: Turmeric adds a warm, earthy note and gives the dish a golden color.
- Umbelliferous Vegetables (like coriander, fennel, anise): These spices have similar flavors that can complement lemongrass well.
It's important to note that the best combinations often depend on personal preferences and the specific dish. So feel free to experiment and discover which combinations you like best!
Storage of Citronella
Put your herbs in an easily closable container. I like to recommend screw-top jars because you can clean them thoroughly (boil them). Store all herbs and spices in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Extra tip
Either you put the lemongrass in a spiced egg so that you can easily remove it after cooking, or you grind it in a coffee grinder before use.
