Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass in the genus *Cymbopogon*, most often referring to *Cymbopogon citratus*.
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass grown for its citrus-scented stalks and leaves. It is widely used in cooking, teas, and essential oils.
What it is
Lemongrass is a perennial grass in the genus Cymbopogon, most often Cymbopogon citratus. It forms dense clumps with stiff stems and narrow, blade-like leaves. The plant is native to South Asia and Maritime Southeast Asia and is now cultivated in warm regions worldwide.
How it is used
The stalks and leaves are used to flavour soups, curries, and teas in Southeast Asian cooking. Lemongrass is also grown for its essential oil, which is used in perfumery, soaps, and other scented products. In Canada, it is widely available fresh, frozen, dried, or as tea.
Key details
Lemongrass thrives in tropical and subtropical climates without frost. It is a grass botanically but treated as a culinary herb. Related species in the genus Cymbopogon may be used for oil production or fragrance.
In short
- Lemongrass is an aromatic grass used in cooking and essential oils.
- The name usually refers to Cymbopogon citratus.
- It is native to South and Southeast Asia and grown in warm climates.
- In Canada, it is commonly found in grocery stores for Asian dishes.
Lemongrass is widely available in Canadian grocery stores, especially in fresh, frozen, dried, and tea forms, and is used in many Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian dishes prepared in Canada.
Quick questions
What is lemongrass?
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Sources
- Penn State PlantVillage — https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/lemon-grass/infosSupports: Describes lemongrass as a perennial grass in Poaceae, grown for fragrant leaves and stalks; notes dense clumps and culinary use; mentions alternate names and likely origin.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemongrass/Supports: States lemongrass is an aromatic tropical grass cultivated primarily for culinary use and notes multiple Cymbopogon species used as lemongrass.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/lemongrassSupports: Identifies lemongrass (*Cymbopogon citratus*) as a perennial species of oil grass in Poaceae, often used in cooking.
- Specialty Produce — https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Lemongrass_320.phpSupports: Gives common species, native range, growth habit, and distinction between culinary and oil-producing lemongrass types.