Lemon grass (lat. Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial mossy plant that tastes and smells like lemon. The stem of this plant can be up to one and a half meters high, and the plant looks like a reed. The smooth leaves of lemon grass are blue-green in color and consist of a short and closed pupa located at the base of the leaf and a long blade that can reach a length of 150 cm and has a slightly bent tip.
The blades of lemongrass have sharp edges and are gathered into a sod up to 120 cm wide. Their base is thickened because new ones grow from the protective pupa of the youngest leaf and in this way a ring of leaves is formed that grow from one another, like the layers of an onion. The outer leaves are the oldest. The flowers of lemongrass are clustered in spikes, but this plant rarely blooms.
In addition to being a spice in cooking and for tea, lemongrass is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, and juice is also made from it.
There are two basic types of lemongrass: Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus, and the main difference between the two is that C. citratus contains the active compound myrcene.
Planting conditions: areas with plenty of light and heat
Method of propagation: by seed and division
Height: up to 1.5 m
Use: in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and in folk medicine
Planting lemongrass
Lemon grass adapts well to all types of soil, and it should be planted in places where there is plenty of heat and light, but not where too much direct sunlight reaches. It is best suited to a warm climate, so if you decide to grow it in the continental part of Croatia, it would be better to plant it in a container. In this case, you will be able to protect the plant over the winter.
Lemongrass can be grown outdoors in areas with mild winters, but it is still preferable to protect it in case of frost. It is propagated by seeds and root division.
Lemongrass seeds are sown in the ground for germination from January to early March. The optimal temperature for germination is 20 to 25°C, and the plant will sprout in 20 to 40 days under these conditions. The soil in which the lemongrass seeds are planted should be kept moist at all times, but not too wet. When the seedlings are big enough, they should be transplanted into cups, and later into pots of the appropriate size.
Lemon grass does not tolerate ice and low temperatures, so the plant should be kept in a fresh, but not too cold, place over the winter. During this period, watering should also be reduced.
Cultivation of lemon grass
Good neighbors for lemon grass are basil, coriander, thyme, mint, lemon, verbena, Echinacea and calendula. It requires a lot of light, heat and moisture, so it should be watered regularly.
There is not much to use from young plants, but plants that are several years old and have thickened shoots can be used for drying. In order to restore the vegetation, low-growing stems should be pruned in autumn.
Diseases and pests
Considering that lemongrass is used as an insect repellent, there are no problems with pests.
Use of lemongrass
Lemongrass is a good source of folic acid, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. The essential oil of this plant contains citral in larger quantities, while neroli, limonene and caryophyllene are present in smaller quantities. Essential oil with a similar composition can also be obtained from other species of the Cymbopogon genus.
Medicinal properties of lemon grass
Lemongrass leaves and stems are used in alternative medicine for a wide range of ailments as this plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and diuretic properties. However, research proving these claims was mostly conducted on laboratory animals.
It stimulates digestion and helps treat digestive health problems such as gastritis, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal cramps and vomiting. To improve the health of the digestive tract, it is recommended to consume lemongrass tea.
Lemongrass tea is prepared by pouring one tablespoon of fresh or dry leaves of this plant with a cup of hot water and leaving it for 10 minutes. After that, strain and add sweetener as desired. Lemongrass tea is claimed to have a calming effect, relieve muscle pain, headache and cold symptoms, and improve digestion.
Given that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, lemongrass helps with fever, cough and other cold and flu symptoms. It contains a large amount of vitamin C, so it strengthens the immune system. The essential oil of this plant can be used to relieve headaches and pain in the joints and muscles that occur as a result of a cold or flu.
Lemongrass essential oil can also be used to relieve nausea, reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, solve digestive problems, relieve pain and reduce inflammatory processes in the body. Given that it has a positive effect on circulation, it is recommended to regularly massage parts of the body with a mixture of base oils and lemongrass essential oil.
It is not recommended to apply undiluted essential oil to the skin because it can cause irritation, and when it comes to the consumption of lemongrass, it should be avoided by people with elevated eye pressure and pregnant and lactating women.
Lemon grass in cooking
As its name suggests, lemon grass smells like lemon, but has a slightly milder and sweeter taste. In addition to being used as a spice and for preparing tea, it is also used to improve the taste of other teas, giving it a citrus flavor and aroma. The lower part of the stem, which is white and pale green in color, is used as a spice, and the leaves are also usable.
In the case when the whole stem is used in dishes, it is necessary to peel at least two layers and cut it in half in order to dissolve it. For salads, the soft part of the stem is used, which is finely chopped into rings.
Lemongrass is extremely popular in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, but it is increasingly being used in Western cuisine, as it can be used to improve the taste of various dishes. It goes well with fish and seafood, and can also be used in dishes with chicken.
Due to its refreshing taste, it is a great addition to desserts and cocktails, and it is also perfect for improving the taste of slightly spicier dishes. By combining mint and lemongrass, we can make a delicious iced tea, and if we also add licorice root, we will get a healthy and refreshing drink.
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