Lemon Grass

Originally from south-east Asia, this plant is little used in China and then usually in dried form for making tea. Its subtle, lemony fragrance and flavour impart a very special cachet to delicate foods and it is a standard ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese dishes. As is typical in Asian cuisine, the herb is considered a medicinal agent as well as a spice and is often prescribed for digestive disorders. Lemon grass is closely related to citronella grass. The latter plant has a stronger oil content and is more likely to be used commercially in perfumes and as a mosquito repellent. The two plants should not be confused.