Herbs Lemon Grass 1lb

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Code #500151

Seasons/Availability
Lemon grass is available year round.

Current Facts
Lemon grass is a tall perennial grass, which means once you plant it, the grass comes back year after year.

Description/Taste
The narrow foliage of lemongrass ranges from blue-green to gold, and the flowers are white, cream, or green depending on the plant's age. Generally there will be more colors of purple and blue in the base of the plant closest to its root source. Younger lemongrass will display a sweet tropical citrus aroma reminiscent of natural fruit loops. The stalk and bulb will be tender to the touch and knife. The older the plant, the more fibrous and less flavorful.

Nutritional Value
Oil is extracted from lemon grass for its high vitamin A content. It is also used as an addition to teas and herbal soups. Its medicinal properties make it extensively useful in Ayurvedic medicine.

Applications
The distinctive herbal citrus flavor and aroma of lemon grass lends itself well to many Asian dishes such as curries, noodle soups and chili sauces. Infuse cooking liquids to steam shellfish such as mussels and clams, or add to coconut milk for braising beef or pork. Bruise the tender stalks and infuse spirits to create cocktails flavored with cucumber, Kaffir lime or Thai basil.

Ethnic/Cultural Info
Grown throughout Asia, lemon grass is an essential ingredient in Thailand, Vietnamese and Indochina cuisine. When meat was first introduced to Thai cuisine, lemon grass was used to mask its the gamey scent.

Geography/History
A member of the sugar cane family and native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World and Oceania, lemon grass is grown commercially within the United States in California and Florida.