You have heard about lemongrass somewhere. You remember going to the Thai food restaurant that your friend dragged you to last week. The reason I say drag is that you may not be open to trying new foods and always seem to go eat at the same places. Maybe you are afraid that it will burn your mouth or maybe you just like your meat and potatoes. Which ever scenario you fall in, there is a whole world out there of herbs and lemongrass is one of those that is widely used in many countries, not just in Thailand.
Lemongrass is a perennial grass that grows in warm countries. Look at our farmer holding the plant. To me, it also resembles the lilies in my garden. It also resembles green onions or some people called them shallots or scallions.
It is considered an herb. It has a lemon scent and taste. Lemongrass is used in cooking for its pleasant taste. In Jamaica, they call it Fever Grass. I don't particularly like the word fever as I think I might get one, it's just not appealing of a name. Keep reading my articles and you will find out the medical health benefits, but for now I am just informing you about it for cooking purposes.
The lemongrass stalk itself has a bulb and roots and the stalk and leaves regrow about every 3 months. The stalk and leaves are then cut. For cooking purposes, the bottom part is saved and the top green leafy part is discarded. The outside of the stalk is a bit tough and therefore not eaten. The middle part is what is used in cooking. Peel a couple of layers of the outer stalk to get the good stuff inside. Smell it, you will discover a wonderful lemony and fresh aroma. Hey, maybe you can use this to scent your home?
Now that you have the lemongrass all cleaned and ready, you will start cutting thin pieces just like cutting green onions. If you normally fry up your green onions, then go ahead and do this. Include it in your meal. If you want you can just top your salad or soup with it and just eat it like that.
I mentioned that lemongrass grows in warm countries. Such countries include Jamaica, Thailand and India. Most of it comes from India but there are new growers popping up for this herb. Jamaica has the perfect climate and soil to grow premium quality organic lemongrass for your next meal. Jamaicans are exporters and suppliers of lemongrass.
For an instant recipe, click here.
Thanks for reading this article and hope that you are now feeling comfortable what lemongrass is. Now go to your supermarket and try out a bunch!
Helene Jattan, author of this series of articles on "What the heck is lemongrass" would like to share with you what you can use lemongrass for. Lemongrass has many benefits so make sure to visit our site to start learning about the health benefits of lemongrass. http://www.lemongrasssolutions.com/#!__product-uses
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