Lemongrass

Lemongrass, which is actively used as a spice in Asian countries, is known in our country mainly among professional chefs or sophisticated gourmets. Meanwhile, this plant has such a large set of valuable qualities that it deserves to take a closer look at it. What is this interesting herb? Let's figure it out.

This is a perennial cereal plant that confidently asserts itself among citrus aromas.

Despite the large number of species of this plant, only two species are actively used:

• West Indian sorghum more common and actively used in various fields: in cooking, medicine and perfumery;
• East Indian sorghum, which is sometimes called cochin or malabar herb, is mainly used as a medicinal herb.

These two varieties of lemongrass can be interchanged, but for culinary purposes, the West Indian variety is still better.

Lemongrass is one of the varieties of lemongrass.

Lemon sorghum belongs to the genus of plants in the grass family (bluegrass). The leaves of this grass are tall and elongated, like those of a reed or sedge.This is a plant with a thickened rhizome and a stem from 0.5 meters in length. In some species, the stem can reach a length of up to 7 meters.

Lemongrass stalks are arranged in dense large tufts. Inflorescences are long panicles that ripen into spikelets at the ends. In horticulture, seeds are rarely tied, so this crop is bred mainly by division.

The stems are white and reddish.

West Indian and East Indian lemongrass are widely used in various areas of life and are a source of essential oil.

Here are some more related species:

• Lemongrass with red petioles and reaching two meters in height. From plants of this variety, essential oils are obtained, which are part of various types of soap, for adding to sprays and candles as a mosquito repellent and for use in aromatherapy. It is also often used to make tea.
• Palmorosa - perennial up to one and a half meters high with thin leaves and small cuttings. Palmorosa contains a sweet-scented oil that is sought after in perfumery. Also, the oil of this plant has soothing properties and is actively used in aromatherapy.
• Lemongrass (Lemongrass) is a perennial plant grown mainly as an aromatic as a source of lemon essential oil. It can also be used for decorative purposes.

Despite the abundance of species of this plant, most of them have the same property: they are all a source for fragrant essential oils.

It is believed that the culture of lemongrass originated in Equatorial Africa.At the same time, its various types have a different origin. For example, East Indian lemongrass originates in India, Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Malaysia is the native country for West Indian lemongrass.

Now this culture is successfully cultivated in many countries:

• in Asia,
• Africa,
• America,
• Europe,
• Australia.

In tropical Africa, in particular, this plant is specially planted in the habitats of the tsetse fly, since it is not able to tolerate the smell of this grass.

Also, this crop is grown in the south of Russia, in Ukraine and in Moldova. But the optimal climate for this plant is, of course, the tropics with high humidity and bright sun. Under these conditions, sorghum can be harvested up to four times a year. When the temperature drops below +10 degrees, the leaves of the plant begin to die.

Lemongrass spices are now an integral part of Asian cuisine. The spices have a light citrus flavor with sharp ginger-like undertones.

For the manufacture of spices, the lower part of the plant is used in dried, ground or fresh form. If a fresh plant is used, then it is added to the dish only during cooking, and then removed, because the grass is very tough.

In our country, these spices are most often sold in finely chopped and dried form.

Lemongrass has the following characteristics:

• This is an evergreen, heat-loving culture that does not tolerate temperatures below +10 degrees.
• The plant has a light lemon aroma and citrus taste.
• The essential oil of this crop is an excellent remedy for mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
• It is wonderfully used for decorative purposes: it grows in a lush, beautiful bush and does not give shoots that cause undesirable spread of the plant around the site.

Calorie content per 100 g of the product is 104.2 kcal.

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are contained in this plant in the following ratio:

• Proteins: 2.1 g (~4.2 kcal)
• Fat: 0 g (~0 kcal)
• Carbohydrates: 25 g (~100 kcal)

The value of this product is obvious:

• there are no fats in its composition;
• it does not contain cholesterol;
• low sodium content;
• does not contain sugar;
• high iron content;
• high manganese content;
• high magnesium content;
• high potassium content;
• high zinc content.

Lemon sorghum has the following micro and macro elements in its chemical composition:

• sodium;
• iron;
• manganese;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• chromium;
• phosphorus;
• silicon;
• fatty acids (myrcene, limonene, methylheptenol).

The vitamin composition is also rich:

• vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
• B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, biotin);
• vitamin A, antioxidant.

The essential oil of this plant contains geraniol, and the content of citral in it reaches 80%.

Due to its vitamin and mineral composition, lemongrass has numerous beneficial properties:

• has great nutritional value;
• the presence of thiamine improves appetite, strengthens muscles, positively affects the functioning of the brain and heart;
• strong antioxidants in the composition of this plant protect the body from the harmful effects of the environment and prevent aging;
• vitamins H and PP improve metabolism and break down fats;
• phosphorus helps maintain healthy teeth and bones, regulates metabolic processes, promotes cell growth, muscle, heart and kidney function;
• its use normalizes sugar content and glucose production, which is very important for diabetics;
• It has antidepressant, antiseptic, antipyretic, bactericidal, antioxidant and sedative effects.

Lemongrass is also indicated for diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, gastrointestinal problems and neuroses.

With all the valuable properties of this product, there are still some contraindications:

• allergy to citral;
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding period;
• individual intolerance.

Fresh grass contains 0.2-0.5% essential oil, which is of high value. The oil is obtained by distillation (distillation). It consists mainly of citral and has a citrus aroma.

Sorghum essential oil will be useful:

• as a remedy for headaches;
• with skin diseases;
• to fight infections;
• as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent (for example, in diseases such as laryngitis, herpes and tonsillitis)
• with muscle pain (given the ability of the oil to stimulate blood circulation, which increases muscle elasticity and promotes the removal of lactic acid);
• with dizziness, darkening in the eyes, hypotension and weakness;
• as a tonic, including to speed up recovery after a long illness;
• to relieve stress and insomnia;
• as an anti-mosquito agent.

There are other ways to use essential oils, such as:

• With various infections, pains and colds, massage with essential oil helps well.To do this, mix 3-4 drops of lemon sorghum oil with 10 ml of base oil (wheat, jojoba, peach, etc.).
• Aromatic baths are also good. They alleviate the condition with skin, fungal diseases and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. A few drops of oil are mixed with 10 ml of an emulsifier (bath salt, liquid soap, cream or honey).
• Aromatization of the air will improve overall well-being and emotional mood. To do this, just add 2 - 4 drops to the aroma lamp per room of 15 square meters. m. You can also add 1 - 2 drops to the aroma pendant.
• To give additional healing properties to cosmetics, you can add 2-4 drops of essential oil per 15 ml of cream, shampoo, lotion
• In the form of inhalations to relieve the symptoms of a cold. For these purposes, add 1 - 2 drops of oil to a glass of hot water and breathe in vapors for up to 6 minutes.

It's hard to imagine Asian cuisine (Vietnamese, Filipino and Thai in particular) without lemongrass as a condiment. The most striking example is the Thai soup Tom Yum. This spice is very good in the company of cilantro, garlic and chili peppers.

Lemongrass softens the smell of seafood and adds a citrus flavor and spicy sourness to dishes.

This spice feels great in many dishes and is widely used in cooking, for example:

• for the preparation of marinades;
• for cooking dishes from fish, chicken, beef, lamb and shrimp;
• in fish and vegetable soups;
• often lemongrass is present in salads and curry sauce;
• to give additional taste and aroma to desserts;
• to give a special flavor to drinks.

As a spice, the stem of the plant is used fresh or dried. It is either cut thinly to add to a dish, or kneaded and added whole (in this case, aromatic oils are better preserved).

Watch Jamie Oliver's TV show video for banana leaf fish with ginger, lemongrass and chili.

Interesting application:

• If a bunch of leaves is slightly softened by hammering it out of wood, then it can be used as a culinary brush, which is used to grease meat and fish dishes for subsequent baking.
• The tough stems are used as skewers for chicken skewers, another interesting Thai dish.

The plant can be stored for a long time in the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment.

Thais use lemongrass to make a delicious citrus flavored drink. For this purpose, chopped stems of grass are taken and brewed in a cup with boiling water. The drink is served chilled with the addition of ice, milk and sugar.

Lemongrass and other vegetables can be used to make a delicious puree soup.

Of course, valuable medicinal properties could not be ignored.

This culture is actively used in medicine:

• The eugenol in lemongrass extract has an effect similar to aspirin, that is, it inhibits the production of serotonin and prevents the formation of blood clots.
• It is used as a diaphoretic for colds with fever (for this you need to knead the stem with a rolling pin or hammer, cut into pieces and brew in a thermos, let it brew and add honey; the effect will be better if you add ginger and a little cinnamon).
• Cleanses the liver, pancreas, kidneys and intestines. Removes toxins.
• Helps reduce the amount of uric acid and cholesterol in the body.
• Improves digestion, metabolism, burns fats.
• Lemongrass oil is used as a remedy for fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.
• For neuralgia, rheumatism, and sprains, lemongrass is used in ointments, infusions, and oils for rubbing and compresses.
• In India, the plant is used for high body temperature, in the treatment of infectious diseases, viral infections and even cholera.
• Lemongrass has a tonic and rejuvenating effect on the skin, treats skin diseases, including seborrhea (massage oil with the addition of peach or olive oils is well suited for these purposes).
• It has a healing effect on the hair, restoring their strength and shine.
• Using lotions and creams with lemongrass will relieve the problem of oily skin and open pores.

Among other things, it strengthens the nervous system, relieves headaches, relieves depression and depression and contributes to the overall improvement of the body.

Separately, it must be said about the use of lemongrass as herbal tea. For its preparation, thinner upper parts of the plant are taken. A fragrant drink is easy to get by brewing 1 tsp. chopped herbs with a glass of boiling water.

Given the healing properties of such tea, it can be used as follows:

• as a prophylactic for colds, especially if you add honey instead of sugar;
• as an anesthetic;
• as a deodorizing and bactericidal agent;
• as a diaphoretic, diuretic;
• to maintain tone and fill the body with energy;
• to improve the functioning of the stomach and normalize the menstrual cycle;
• can be used as a lotion for arthritis, and in Chinese medicine, this tea is used to treat rheumatism.

Lemongrass, in addition to being used in cooking and medicine, has found its application in everyday life:

• This plant is able to successfully fill the room and clothes with freshness.
• Stuffing a mattress with lemongrass leaves will minimize the chance of unwanted "guests" - insects.
• The smell of this herb repels mosquitoes. In tropical countries, it is planted near houses to get rid of midges. Also, lemongrass is actively planted in areas inhabited by tsetse flies, which are also repelled by the smell of sorghum.
• And finally, this fluffy green bush will really enliven the landscape of your backyard. A huge plus of this grass as an ornamental plant is that it does not give shoots that contribute to the undesirable spread of the plant around the site.

Given the anti-mosquito properties, it can be practically used in our strip as a natural mosquito repellent: if there is a fresh plant at hand, then you need to apply its juice to open areas of the body. This is enough to forget about these unpleasant insects for 4 hours.

If fresh grass is not readily available, then you can buy a plant in advance and prepare a tincture for the future. To do this, grind the stems with a blender, squeeze out the juice and mix it with alcohol 1: 1.

It is a fast growing evergreen, perennial herb. This is a plant of the tropics, so it needs bright sun, warmth and moisture. The soil for this plant should be sandy, slightly acidic. These conditions can be provided by adding humus.

The plant needs constant moisture, so it grows well in swampy areas. The plant can be grown in a pot, outdoors in a garden or greenhouse.

In the spring, when transplanting into the yard, the plant needs to acclimatize. To do this, the container with the plant is first placed in the shade, a little later it is moved to partial shade, and only then it is taken out into the open sun. In our strip, seeds rarely ripen on a plant, so it is worth propagating it by division. If you still grow from seeds, then you first need to germinate seedlings. Sprouted seedlings are taken outside for a week and a half - two for acclimatization.

By the way, there is a much easier way to grow this culture. You just need to try to find this grass with sprouted roots in the store. Then you can just put it in water, wait for the roots to grow and plant the plant on the site.

In the spring, lemongrass needs to be fed with complex fertilizers.

Lemon sorghum, without a doubt, will decorate any garden or apartment.The leaves of the plant can be periodically cut for cooking or medicinal purposes.

Here is such a “versatile” grass: a beautiful ornamental plant, a nutritious product with a rich vitamin and mineral composition, and a valuable medicine. It would be very unwise not to take advantage of such wealth.

See below for details.