*Citronella grass is the name of the grassy plant, Cymbopogon nardus.

*There are many different varieties of these plants in the genus Cymbopogon and known by names like lemon grass, silky heads, fever grass, etc.

*The juicy, fleshy, grayish green, grassy stalks have a lemony or citric flavor due to presence of the essential oil, citral.

*The outer skin of the stalks is tough and the inner pulp or flesh is softer and holds the stronger flavor.

*They are mainly used in Asian cooking as a seasoning herb to enhance the flavor of meat and fish dishes, soups, curries, teas, etc.

*Buying and storage: Select fresh, healthy leaves or stalks without any discoloration, wilting, slime or holes on the leaves. Pat them dry and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Is it raw?

Yes, all fresh leaves and stalks in the supermarket are raw and can be eaten raw in salads or added to curries, soups, etc. Also available in frozen form.

Health Benefits

1. Citronella grass has antimicrobial, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties.

2. Reduces the total and LDL cholesterol in the blood.

3. Tea made from lemon grass relieves congestion and body aches from cold or flu.

4. The juice or pulp of the lemon grass applied topically clears the blemishes and dead cells from the skin and results in a glowing healthy skin.

5. In traditional medicine, the leaves and stalks are used to treat indigestion, nausea, fevers, stomach aches, and also as a blood purifier.

6. Also used as an insect repellant due to its strong lemony scent.

7. Can be applied topically to treat ringworm lice, scabies, arthritis, etc.

8. Moderate but significant source of B-group vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and B6 that are essential to enhance the energy production from the foods.

9. Good source of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.