How do I Make Lemon Grass Tea?

Lemon grass, scientific name Cymbopogon citratus, is a perennial grass that originates in India and grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet. Its fragrance and taste strongly resemble lemons. Recipes for Thai, Caribbean and Vietnamese dishes use lemon grass extensively. The lemon scent in many commercial products such as soap or candles comes from lemon grass. Tea made from lemon grass is said to have a calming effect. In addition, lemon grass has medicinal properties that can ease fever, arthritis pain, flatulence and stomach cramps. It is particularly good for alleviating digestive ills in children.

2 fresh lemon grass stalks

Knife

Saucepan

Measuring cup

Strainer

Cup

Agave syrup

Spoon

Remove the outer leaves from two freshly cut lemon grass stalks. Rinse under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Chop the two stalks into pieces about 3 inches long. Throw away any brown or dried pieces of stalk.

Place the cut lemon grass sections in a large saucepan. Add 4 cups of water to the pan. Put the saucepan on the stove and turn on the heat to high. When the water boils, turn the heat off. Leave the pan on the burner of the stove.

Wait 15 to 20 minutes while the lemon grass sections steep in the hot water. You will be able to smell the aroma of lemon grass tea throughout the house.

Hold a strainer over a teacup and pour the hot lemon grass tea through the strainer into the cup. Sweeten the tea by stirring in a little agave syrup if you like.

You can also use dried lemon grass stalks to make the tea. Soak the dried pieces in water to reconstitute them before making the tea.

Add fresh mint leaves to the lemon grass tea to enhance the flavor.

Other sweeteners you can use include sugar and honey.

Pour the tea over ice to enjoy iced lemon grass tea.