Herbs Lemon Grass - Organically Grown Lemon Grass

This week we have organically grown Lemon Grass.

Lemongrass is a herb with a fresh, lemony flavor and a subtle hint of ginger. It's commonly used in various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asian dishes. Here are some ways you can use lemongrass in cooking:

Cooking with lemongrass involves several steps to release its aromatic flavor and incorporate it into your dishes. Here's a general guide on how to cook with lemongrass:

1. Prepare the lemongrass: Start by selecting fresh lemongrass stalks that are firm and fragrant. Trim off the root end and any dried or tough outer layers. Cut off the top portion of the stalk, leaving the tender inner portion for cooking. Typically, you'll use the bottom 4-6 inches of the stalk.

2. Bruise or crush the lemongrass: To release the flavorful oils and aroma, you'll want to bruise or crush the lemongrass stalks. This can be done by gently pounding the stalks with the back of a knife or a meat mallet. Alternatively, you can make several shallow cuts along the length of the stalk to help release the flavor.

3. Incorporate into recipes: Lemongrass can be used whole, sliced, minced, or pounded, depending on the recipe. Here are some common methods of incorporating lemongrass into dishes:

   • Soups and broths: Add whole or bruised lemongrass stalks to the broth while simmering. Remove the stalks before serving.
   • Curries and stir-fries: Slice the lemongrass into thin rounds or mince it finely before adding it to the curry paste or stir-fry sauce.
   • Marinades: Mince or pound the lemongrass and add it to marinades for meats, poultry, or seafood.
   • Teas and beverages: Bruise the lemongrass stalks and steep them in hot water to make lemongrass tea. You can also add lemongrass to cold beverages for a refreshing citrus flavor.
   • Baked goods and desserts: Finely mince lemongrass and incorporate it into batters or doughs for cookies, cakes, or desserts.

4. Cooking process: Cook the dish according to your recipe instructions, allowing the lemongrass to infuse its flavor into the dish. Lemongrass can be added at the beginning of cooking for longer-cooking dishes like soups and curries, or toward the end for shorter-cooking dishes like stir-fries.

5. Remove before serving (if necessary): In many cases, especially for soups and broths, you'll want to remove the lemongrass stalks before serving the dish to avoid biting into the tough fibers.

By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass into your culinary creations.