Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Lemongrass
Inventory, lb : 96.41
This item was last sold on : 05/22/22
Description/Taste
Lemongrass is comprised of tall stalks and leaves that grow in bushy clusters. The leaves extend in all directions in a dropping nature and have a narrow, coarse blade, averaging 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, with a lanceolate shape. Each stalk is elongated, slender, straight, and cylindrical with a small, bulbous base similar to the bottom of a green onion. The stalks have tough, somewhat woody outer layers that are green, lightening to a pale green, yellow-white at the base with faint marron edging. As the tightly wrapped outer layers are removed, the central portion of the stalk is revealed, bearing a white to pale yellow hue. Young Lemongrass will release a sweet, somewhat tropical citrus aroma, and the stalk will have a tender and crisp consistency. Mature Lemongrass will have a brighter, lemon-like scent and develops a more fibrous, chewy, and sometimes stringy texture. Lemongrass is known for its edible central stalk and imparts a tangy, citrus, and floral flavor with ginger, lemon, and minty nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Lemongrass is available year-round.
Current Facts
Lemongrass, botanically classified as Cymbopogon citratus, is an aromatic grass belonging to the Poaceae family. The perennial plant thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and grows upright, reaching anywhere from 1 to 1.5 meters in height. Lemongrass is native to Southeast Asia, and there are two main species: West-Indian Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, and East-Indian Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon flexuosus. West-Indian Lemongrass is the type most used for culinary preparations, sometimes written as Lemon Grass, while East-Indian Lemongrass is used for its essential oils to scent perfumes, soaps, and lotions. Lemongrass is favored for its tangy, light, and bright citrus-like scent and taste, but its lack of bitterness makes it distinct from other citrus flavors. This allows chefs to add complexity to dishes and mask pungent odors to balance flavors in recipes. Lemongrass is a traditional element in Indian, Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, and Cambodian cuisines. The easy-to-grow plant is commercially cultivated, offering the stalks in fresh, dried, or powdered form, and can also be found worldwide as an ornamental home garden plant.
Nutritional Value
Lemongrass is a minor source of potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, calcium to build strong bones and teeth, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, and vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning. The stalks also provide low amounts of manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus and contain antioxidants to protect the cells against the damage caused by free radicals. In addition to vitamins and minerals, Lemongrass is incorporated into natural medicines to flush the body of toxins and excess water, relieve headaches, and relax the mind. Lemongrass is commonly seen in Ayurvedic treatments and is viewed as a cooling herb, consumed in drinks, inhaled as aromatherapy, or extracted for its oil and mixed with lotions and creams for topical applications.
Applications
Lemongrass has a bright, citrusy flavor and aroma well suited as a flavoring for raw and cooked preparations. When using raw, Lemongrass needs to be finely chopped or minced to remove any fibrous stringiness in the stalks. The lower bulb of the stalk should be removed, and the tough outer leaves should be peeled away to reveal the central heart of the stalk. The pale-yellow to white center can be minced and tossed into salads, blended into pastes, or infused into dressings, marinades, and sauces. In Thailand, Lemongrass is popularly used in yum takrai, a fresh salad of ground pork and shrimp, herbs, spices, and toasted cashews. The central stalks are thinly sliced and tossed with mint, cilantro, shallots, chile peppers, and lime juice to create a bright, sweet, spicy, and sour flavor combination and are mixed in with the other ingredients in the salad. Lemongrass is also favored for its ability to flavor soups, stews, and curries. In longer-cooked preparations, the stalks can be kept in larger pieces as they are used for flavor and removed at the end of the cooking process. The stalks can be pounded or bruised and tossed into broth to release aromatic essential oils. Lemongrass masks musky, fishy, or sometimes pungent odors and is famously incorporated into laksa in Singapore, curries in India, or tom yum soup and tom kha gai in Thailand. The stalks can be cooked into noodle and rice dishes, infused into sauces for grilled skewers, sauteed into stir-fries, or combined with other herbs in roasted meat dishes. The distinctive herbal citrus flavor and aroma of Lemongrass also lends itself well to dessert preparations, from cookies, and cakes, to pudding and frozen sweets such as ice cream. Beyond culinary dishes, Lemongrass is a typical flavoring in herbal teas, often paired with ginger as a refreshing iced beverage. The stalks can also be used to flavor cocktails and infused into spirits with other ingredients such as Thai limes, basil, or cucumber. Lemongrass pairs well with coconut milk, herbs such as basil, cilantro, and chives, aromatics including garlic, shallots, ginger, and galangal, meats such as beef, pork, and poultry, and seafood including shrimp, white fish, clams, and snails. Whole, unwashed Lemongrass will keep up to two weeks when tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator. The stalks can also be frozen for extended use or cut into small pieces and dried.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Lemongrass is known for its ability to mask strong smells and has been not only utilized for centuries in culinary dishes but also as a fragrance to mask body odor. In Southeast Asia, Lemongrass was historically added to bathwater, and oils from the plants were combed through the hair, mixed into lotions, and incorporated into deodorants. The use of the essential oil mainly remained unknown outside of Asia until the 17th century, when the oils were distilled and sold to mostly nobility in Europe. Lemongrass was a scent of the upper class, as it was expensive to acquire, and the distinct smell effectively masked body odor, making it a recognizable status symbol. In the 20th century, Lemongrass oil became popular worldwide and is still one of the most used essential oils today.
Geography/History
Lemongrass is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and has been growing wild since ancient times. Historically, the plants have been foraged for their aromatic stalks and essential oils, utilized in culinary and medicinal practices. Over time, Lemongrass was spread into the rest of Asia, Africa, and Australia, where it has since been naturalized and widely planted in home gardens. After World War I, Lemongrass was also introduced to Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States. In some regions of Mexico and Central America, the plant has been labeled as an invasive species. Today Lemongrass is found worldwide, purposely planted in tropical to subtropical regions as a medicinal and culinary species. The plants are commercially cultivated, especially in India, and are also grown in home gardens for personal use. Lemongrass can be found at fresh local markets, specialty retailers, and select grocery stores.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Barrel & Board - Bar | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| Mic Drop Comedy | San Diego CA | 858-225-2100 |
| Alila Marea (VAGA Bar) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | 619-564-6722 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort (Pastry) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Jujus Kitchen | Bonita CA | 619-471-5342 |
| SD Continuing Education Culinary Arts | ||
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | San Diego CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Saffron Thai LLC | San Diego CA | 619-574-7737 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Herb & Sea (Bar) | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Pendry SD (5th & Rose) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Frankie's | Oceanside CA | 442-266-2270 |
| Reel Street Eats | San Diego CA | 619-558-9114 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Joya Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-5979 |
| Matsu | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Animae (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Shelter / Saloon | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Craft and Commerce Bar | San Diego CA | 619-269-0288 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| MishMash | San Diego CA | 760-822-1097 |
| Monarch (Bar) | Del Mar CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| White Rice LPM | San Diego CA | 619-564-2618 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch) | San Marcos CA | 619-709-0938 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Tender Greens-Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 310-954-1415 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| The Compass Bar | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Nolita Hall - Bar | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Loving Hut | San Diego CA | 619-855-5674 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619-295-7275 |
| Tahona (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Lofty Coffee Co- W. Cedar | San Diego CA | 760-230-6747 ex. 4 |
| Haidilao Hot Pot San Diego Inc. | San Diego CA | 510-861-7657 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 619-402-7911 |
| Paradise Point Resort BQT Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| You & Yours Distilling Co. | San Diego CA | 214-693-6619 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse 2020 | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Farmers Bottega | San Diego CA | 619-306-8963 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Zeca Trading Co. | San Diego CA | 619-410-1576 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Lemongrass. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Lemongrass using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 23 days ago, 4/30/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suit 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 29 days ago, 4/24/22 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno Evergreen 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 86 days ago, 2/26/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno,CA 559-313-6676 About 89 days ago, 2/23/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 1-559-385-4959 About 103 days ago, 2/09/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 134 days ago, 1/09/22 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno Evergreen 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 156 days ago, 12/18/21 
Las Vegas Farmers Market
Rodd's Produce Market
Near Summerlin South, Nevada, United StatesReedley, CA About 187 days ago, 11/17/21 
Macknade's Fine Foods
Macknade's Fine Foods
Near Faversham, United KingdomSelling Rd, Faversham ME13 8XF, United Kingdom 441795534497 https://macknade.com About 236 days ago, 9/29/21 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Behneman Farm
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 246 days ago, 9/19/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 247 days ago, 9/18/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 248 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno evergreen 
San Marcos Farmers Market
Carmi Vista Family Farm
Near San Marcos, California, United StatesVista, CA About 251 days ago, 9/14/21 Sharer's comments : Perfect as an after dinner tea :) 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 282 days ago, 8/14/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 283 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 359 days ago, 5/29/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 392 days ago, 4/26/21 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno Evergreens 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 429 days ago, 3/20/21 Sharer's comments : Lemon grass from Fresno Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 434 days ago, 3/15/21 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno Evergreens 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 439 days ago, 3/10/21 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 448 days ago, 3/01/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 464 days ago, 2/13/21 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 91910 About 484 days ago, 1/24/21 Sharer's comments : Lemon grass from Fresno Evergreen! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 494 days ago, 1/14/21 Sharer's comments : Lemon grass from HER produce. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 621 days ago, 9/09/20 |
