Does Lemongrass Go Bad?

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Lemon grass or lemongrass is a herb that originated in Sri Lanka and South India. It is widely used in Asian cooking. But these days, due to its amazing benefits, it is consumed throughout the world. It has a refreshing lemony aroma. Lemon grass has light yellow, green-coloured stalks. It has a really unique flavour that is an awesome fusion of lemon and mint. It gives you a refreshing sensation. It goes well with a variety of dishes and makes them super tasty and healthy.

When you go to market, you probably have lemon grass on your list, right! Now, you are wondering whether this lemon grass you bought goes bad or not? Well, yes, it can go bad if not stored properly. Don’t you worry, our article covers every point that you are looking forward to its storage. Now, hurry up! Read and store your lemon grass before it goes bad.

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How to store lemon grass?

A beautiful evening with a cool breeze, a good book with a good thought and a cup of refreshing lemon grass tea, what else one could want? Lemon grass is widely used to make a tea that is so good for your health.

Lemongrass helps to regulate blood pressure. It is an excellent way to obtain vitamin A and C. Both of these vitamins are essential for good skin and hairs. There are many ways by which you can store lemon grass. Few are mentioned right below.

Refrigeration

Don’t want to make a refreshing lemonade from lemon grass right now? No worries then; you can keep the lemon grass in the refrigerator and enjoy it anytime later. Yes, this is an easy and simple way used for storage.

All you have to do is first wash and then dry it completely. Good, now wrap lemon grass in plastic wrap. For long term storage, you can keep the lemon grass in a moist paper towel and then in a plastic bag. Put that bag in the refrigerator.

Drying

Another way used for storage of lemon grass is drying. You can dry them in a food dehydrator, oven or even in the sun. Do in which way you find it easier. Okay, so first wash it to remove any dirt. Now dry them thoroughly.

After that, cut them into pieces and lay them in a dehydrator tray. Let them dry. It will take about two to four hours. Now, you can keep the dried lemon grass in a jar. It is best to keep the jar in a cool and dry place.

In a jar

If you are going to use the lemon jar soon, then try this method. It will keep the lemon grass fresh. Take a jar with a little water in it. Place the lemon grass stalks in the jar. Change the water when required.

Can you freeze lemon grass?

Want to look smart and slim? If yes, then buy some lemongrass from the market. BOOM! An amazing benefit of consuming lemon grass is that they help you to lose weight. Isn’t it great! Now, you are definitely going to make it a part of your diet. Right!

It feels like that you are planning to freeze it as well. So, yes, you can freeze the lemon grass to enjoy it anytime later you like. First of all, wash the lemon grass because no one likes the dirt in the freezer bag.

Let the lemon grass dry completely. Good, now trim and then chop them. Now, place them in the freezer bag and store them in the freezer. You can also freeze them in an ice cube tray with some water.

How long does lemon grass last?

Looking for some homemade treatment for your menstrual cramps? Then you are at the right place to find. Lemon grass is quite effective for abdominal convulsions that women suffer during periods. It also helps to regulate cholesterol level in the body.

Okay, so how long does your lemon grass last depends on the method of storage you choose. If you have dried lemon grass in your kitchen, then you can keep it in a cool and dry place for up to two years.

In the refrigerator, you can keep the lemon grass for ten to fifteen days. For a longer period, freezing is the best option. You can store the lemongrass for four to six months in the freezer.

How to tell if lemon grass is bad?

Another benefit of consuming lemon grass is that it is so good for your digestion. It is pretty obvious when your lemon grass goes bad. You just have to remember few tips to identify the spoiled piece.

Check for the appearance of lemon grass. If it has lost its green colour, then it should not be consumed.
If a foul or unpleasant smell is coming from it, then it is spoiled. Throw it away; otherwise, it will cause others to go bad soon.
If the lemon grass feels so soft and mushy to check, it means they are rotten. Better to throw them away.

What does Lemon Grass Look Like?

By looks, Lemon Grass has a high resemblance with seagrass. Both of these plants have long leaves. However, there are around 55 species of this plant only in India’s western and eastern regions. That’s why their looks may vary based on the region it is cultivated in.

Its plant grows around 2 meters. Magenta-color stems surround it at the base. Due to the grassy appearance of Lemon Grass, it is often mistaken with wild plants. Besides, the plant of Lemon Grass does not include any flower or fruit. The leaves themselves are used for various purposes.

Where does Lemon Grass Come From?

The traces of Lemon Grass’ existence can be found in the tropical regions of the world. These regions include Oceania, Australia, Africa, and Asia. In some countries like India, Thailand, and China, this plant has been used to add flavor to various items since the old times.

While in other regions, Lemon Grass was used to treat illness, boost digestion and immunity, smoothen the menstrual cycle, and treats various infections. While botanically, the Lemon Grass comes from the Cymbopogon plant. It belongs to the grass family. That’s why it looks like the grass.

How is Lemon Grass Made?

The plant Lemon Grass is a tender perennial. Therefore, it cannot survive the colder months, and it will die in those months. So, you should be cautious about the month. Don’t grow it in colder months. For planting Lemon Grass, make sure the plant has plenty of room to spread out.

You can also plant them indoors in areas where it is mostly cold. Once the plant reaches around 1 ft tall, you can begin harvesting it. Use either knife or scissors to cut the leaves. While cutting the stalks, leave once inch bottom. This will help the plant to keep growing.

What Does Lemon Grass Taste Like?

The taste of Lemon Grass falls somewhere between lemon mint and lemon. Most people claim that this herb tastes like lemon. However, lemon has a strong taste while it has a light flavor. It is a little citrusy.

How is Lemon Grass Used in Cooking?

While cooking, people use both the dry and fresh leaves of this flower. While using fresh leaves, just chop the leaves through a scissor or knife. Then, you should add them to the recipe. It is better to add the leaves at the end because cooking the fresh leaves for a longer duration can destroy the leaves.

Besides, it is better to marinate the leaves before using them in your dishes. If you use the dry flavor, you can add the dry leaves with other ingredients while cooking. You can also sprinkle it like salt and pepper in your dishes.

What Types of Cuisines Use Lemon Grass?

Lemon Grass can be used in both cooked and raw cuisines. In Thai cuisines, especially Thai salad, this ingredient is used widely. Lemon Grass is also used in shrimp, chicken, barbecue, soups, vegetables, and even drinks like tea.

What is a Lemon Grass Substitute?

Lemon Grass can be substituted by lemon zest. Both of these ingredients have almost the same flavor. So, if you get out of Lemon Grass next time, use this ingredient instead.

Where to Buy Lemon Grass?

You can find Lemon Grass in vegetable and grocery stores, However, in this article, we will suggest some best products. These Lemon Grass products will guarantee higher taste and quality. We have listed these products below.

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