Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass in the genus *Cymbopogon*, most often referring to *Cymbopogon citratus*.
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass in the genus *Cymbopogon*, most often referring to *Cymbopogon citratus*, grown for its aromatic leaves and stalks used in cooking, teas, and essential oils. Native to South Asia and Maritime Southeast Asia, it is cultivated in warm regions worldwide and is widely available in Canadian grocery stores in fresh, frozen, dried, and tea forms, where it is used in many Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian dishes.
Botany
Lemongrass is a perennial grass in the family Poaceae. It forms dense clumps with stiff stems and slender, blade-like leaves, and is valued for its aromatic foliage and stalk bases. The name usually refers to *Cymbopogon citratus*, though related *Cymbopogon* species are also used.
Uses
The stalks and leaves are widely used as a flavouring ingredient in cooking and herbal tea. It is used in Southeast Asian cooking, especially for flavouring soups, curries, and teas. The plant is also cultivated for essential oil used in perfumery, soaps, and scented products. In Canada, lemongrass is widely available in fresh, frozen, dried, and tea forms, and is used in many Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian dishes.
Distribution and cultivation
Lemongrass is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia and is now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers warm conditions and is cultivated primarily in areas where frost is absent or minimal.
Related species
The name lemongrass can refer to more than one species in the genus *Cymbopogon*. The most common culinary form is *Cymbopogon citratus*, also called West Indian lemongrass, while other species may be used more for oil production or fragrance.
Key facts
- Lemongrass is an aromatic grass grown mainly for culinary use and for its essential oil.
- The name usually refers to *Cymbopogon citratus*, though related *Cymbopogon* species are also used.
- It is used in Southeast Asian cooking, especially for flavouring soups, curries, and teas.
- The plant grows in dense clumps and has long, narrow leaves with a lemon-like scent.
- It thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is lemongrass?
What species is most commonly called lemongrass?
What is lemongrass used for?
Where does lemongrass come from?
Is lemongrass a herb or a grass?
References
- 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.