Lemon Grass - 25 Seeds Cymbopogon fexuosus Culinary Asian Medicinal Essential Oil ~ Perennial Herb The citrus touch of lemongrass plays a starring role in Tom Kha Gai, the traditional Thai soup of spicy coconut broth simmered with chicken, vegetables and fresh basil. This herb is a favourite ingredient used extensively in Asian cuisine and makes a refreshing herbal tea. Originally a native plant in India and the tropical regions of Asia, lemongrass is used in teas, soups and curries, meat, chicken, and seafood dishes. It also adds a delicious flavour when used to infuse cooking liquids to steam mussels and clams. In Australia, it is a common sight at supermarkets, greengrocers and Asian food stores. As it is a perennial plant, home gardeners are guaranteed a supply of lemongrass year after year. Why lemongrass is good to eat Lemongrass contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and folate (needed for the production of energy and red blood cells). It also contains minerals such as potassium (which helps to regulate blood pressure), manganese (involved in the regulation of brain and nerve function), magnesium and calcium (involved in the regulation of muscle, heart and nerve function and keeping bones strong) and iron (involved in red blood cell production) How are they grown and harvested? Lemongrass grows best when it is planted in a sunny position and given plenty of water. It is a perennial tall grass (grows back year after year) and grows to about 1 m. The plant forms rounded clumps of foliage, with light-green, lemon-scented leaves that grow on top of stalks. The plant matures in four to eight months, and you can harvest it once the stalks are about 1.5 cm thick. Lemongrass can be harvested every three to four months for up to four years. To harvest, cut the entire stalk at ground level below the white swollen ends and remove the outer woody layers and leaves. The older stalks should be harvested first to promote the growth of new stalks. Sow Cool Climate: Avoid Hot & Cold Periods Sow Warm Climate: Avoid Hot & Cold Periods Depth: Just below the surface of the soil Soil Temp: 10-30°C Emerge: 5-10 Days Spacing: 25 cm Harvest: 8-12 Weeks How to store and keep lemongrass Store lemongrass wrapped in plastic in the crisper section of your fridge. It will keep for up to two weeks when stored this way. Freeze lemongrass for up to six months by tightly wrapping it in foil. Where lemongrass is native, it is made into a tea called ‘fever tea’ that is used to treat diarrhoea, stomach cramps and headaches. The oil of lemongrass is applied to treat ringworm in India. Studies have shown that lemongrass kills multiple types of bacteria and fungi and has deodorant properties. The lemongrass contains five constituents that inhibit blood coagulation. Essential oils in lemongrass help strengthen blood vessels and decrease the chance of varicose veins. Propagation notes will be supplied with a seed packet.
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