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Lemongrass
Inventory, lb : 119.70
This item was last sold on : 01/26/23
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.
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Shootz Fish X Beer | Oceanside CA | 978-290-6914 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Boss Bird Kitchen | La Mesa CA | 858-566-9191 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Shelter / Saloon | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
| Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar | San Diego CA | 619-313-9127 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Rustic Root (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-702-5595 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Zeca Trading Co. | San Diego CA | 619-410-1576 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| Reel Street Eats | San Diego CA | 619-558-9114 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Barrel & Board - Bar | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Tahona (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| The Lion Share Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Mete Supper Club | San Diego CA | 619-549-9672 |
| The Switchboard Restaurant and Bar | Oceanside CA | 442-266-2781 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| The Wise Ox | San Diego CA | 619-851-0672 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Dija Mara 2021 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| SB Kitchen | Solana Beach CA | 610-717-7217 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Lime in the Coconut | Chula Vista CA | 619-820-0961 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| The Compass Bar | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Pendry SD (Nasons) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Herb & Sea (Bar) | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| 619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-647-4409 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Campfire Bar | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Alila Marea (VAGA Bar) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Humphery's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| The Bier Garden | Encinitas CA | 760-632-2437 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye) | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Loving Hut | San Diego CA | 619-855-5674 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Lumi (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | 619-564-6722 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Juniper & Ivy Bar | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Hotel Palomar- Salt Box Bar | San Diego CA | 619-515-4062 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Javier Plascencia | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Farmers Bottega | San Diego CA | 619-306-8963 |
| Animae (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
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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Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 12 days ago, 1/15/23 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Her Produce 
TTDI wet market, Kuala Lumpur
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 15 days ago, 1/12/23 
Leucadia Farmers Market
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAbout 40 days ago, 12/18/22 Sharer's comments : at Carranza Citrus 
Medan [email protected]
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 48 days ago, 12/10/22 
Pasar Besar Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 59 days ago, 11/29/22 
Jalan ss 2/62, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 74 days ago, 11/14/22 
TTDI Wet Market Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Ulam Melayu Enterprise
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaTS-91 About 100 days ago, 10/19/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 117 days ago, 10/02/22 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Her Produce 
SS2 Morning Market, Jalan SS 2/62, Petaling Jaya M
SS2 Morning Market
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaJalan SS 2/62 About 121 days ago, 9/28/22 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 187 days ago, 7/24/22 
Elsey & Bent
Elsey & Bent
Near London, England, United Kingdom8 Southwark St London England SE1 1TL 442074073377 About 196 days ago, 7/15/22 
Mercato Pavillion
Mercato Pavillion
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia168 Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur KL 6-032-143-0066 About 219 days ago, 6/22/22 
CHOW KIT MARKET
Chow Kit Market
Near Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaLot 2257, Japan Raja Alang 50300 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia About 221 days ago, 6/20/22 
Tiong Bahru Market
Near Singapore, Singapore52 Tiong Bahru Rd 168716 About 227 days ago, 6/14/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 234 days ago, 6/07/22 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno Evergreen 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 272 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 278 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 335 days ago, 2/26/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno,CA 559-313-6676 About 338 days ago, 2/23/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 1-559-385-4959 About 352 days ago, 2/09/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 383 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 405 days ago, 12/18/21 
Las Vegas Farmers Market
Rodd's Produce Market
Near Summerlin South, Nevada, United StatesReedley, CA About 436 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 485 days ago, 9/29/21 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Behneman Farm
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 495 days ago, 9/19/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 496 days ago, 9/18/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 497 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 500 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 531 days ago, 8/14/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 532 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 608 days ago, 5/29/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 641 days ago, 4/26/21 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno Evergreens 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 678 days ago, 3/20/21 Sharer's comments : Lemon grass from Fresno Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 683 days ago, 3/15/21 Sharer's comments : Lemongrass from Fresno Evergreens 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 688 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 697 days ago, 3/01/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 713 days ago, 2/13/21 |
