If you have ever eaten any Asian dish, then you might have noticed that it has a lemony flavor.
But did you know that this lemony flavor is neither from lemons nor lemon rind? It is from lemongrass.
Lemongrass is a versatile herb native to many Asian countries, especially South India and Sri Lanka.
It not only increases the flavor of cooking dishes but also uses dried lemongrass to make tea.
Besides, many researchers link Lemongrass to several medicinal benefits.
Today, this Asian herb is a popular ingredient grown and used throughout the world. But you must be wondering, “What does lemongrass taste like?”.
The good news is we have covered this question for you. Continue reading and stay informed.
What is Lemongrass?
The term lemongrass goes by different names, such as Cymbopogon, fever grass, Cochin grass, and silky heads, among others.
It is a perennial herb that grows in many tropical climates, and its tall stalks can grow up to six feet.
This plant is a common ingredient for many Asian countries, such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Based on your preference, you can either choose fresh or dried lemongrass.
Fresh Lemongrass is an ideal ingredient for various dishes, while dried lemongrass calls for a refreshing tea.
Although lemongrass has a distinct citrus flavor, lemongrass does not come from a lemon tree.
What Does Lemongrass Taste Like? Does Lemongrass Taste Good?
One misconception of lemongrass is that it has the same taste as a lemon. But the truth is it has its distinct flavor profile.
According to Superbherb, lemongrass provides a citrusy flavor that is similar to lemon and lemon mint.
However, the main difference is that lemongrass does not have the bitter taste we get from the lemon.
Additionally, its flavor mainly comes from the plant’s white part, which provides a lemony flavor with a hint of ginger and mint.
When you use the right amount of lemongrass in cooking, it gives your dish a citrus note without overpowering the other ingredients.
Nutritional Values of Lemongrass:
As an herbal plant, lemongrass contains several nutritional values, such as vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and copper.
According to WebMD, 28-gram of lemongrass contains:
- 30 calories.
- 7-gram of carbohydrate.
- 1-gram of protein.
- 0-gram of fiber.
- 0-gram of sugar.
Besides, it contains essential antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as flavonoids and phenolic.
Hence, lemongrass provides several potential health benefits.
One of the benefits of lemongrass is that it can help you cope with flu, cough, and cold.
The reason is that it has several anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Besides, the presence of vitamin C can help strengthen your immunity.
Drinking Lemongrass tea can also help you lose weight. It is because it speeds up the digestion process by boosting your body’s metabolism.
It further helps in burning more calories. Besides, it can also reduce the toxicity in your body.
Lemongrass can also lower cholesterol levels in your body, thereby reducing the risk of heart stroke.
A study has revealed that oil extracted from lemongrass can lower cholesterol levels in animals.
Besides, another study on mice has confirmed the required dose of lemongrass oil for lowering cholesterol.
How to Use Lemongrass in Recipes?
You can eat lemongrass in several ways, ranging from raw to cook based on your choice.
If you plan to use an ingredient for cooking, make sure you first marinate it for a few hours.
In this way, you can soften its tough fibers, thereby providing more flavors.
When it comes to cooking, there are many ways to use lemongrass. To make a delicious Thai salad, you can chop some lemongrass and add them to cooked chicken and shrimp.
You can also use lemongrass in soups, barbecue recipes, vegetable dishes, stir-fried recipes, or drink like tea.
However, we usually want mild flavor when it comes to soup recipes. Hence, we recommend adding Lemongrass only towards the end of the cooking process.
Conclusion
Lemongrass is a versatile herb commonly used throughout Asian countries, especially in India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
But it does not mean it will not work with Western recipes. After all, you can also use dried lemongrass as tea.
When it comes to taste, it has a lemony flavor with a hint of ginger and mint. But it is different from that of lemon or lemon mint.
Additionally, lemongrass works with several recipes, and it does not overpower the other ingredients.
What Does Lemongrass Taste Like? Does Lemongrass Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Lemongrass
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the flavor you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a flavor that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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