Lemongrass is a popular herb widely used in Asian cuisine for its unique flavor and aroma. It’s also known for its numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and relieving anxiety.
Besides its culinary and health benefits, lemongrass adds a beautiful touch to your garden. Growing lemongrass in your backyard is relatively easy, and harvesting it is even simpler. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to harvest lemongrass and store it properly.
When Should You Harvest Lemongrass
Harvesting lemongrass at the right time is important to avoid damaging the plant and to ensure it is at its peak flavor and aroma.
Here are some tips on when to harvest lemongrass:
- Harvest Throughout the Growing Season: You can harvest lemongrass any time of the growing season, but make sure to do it just before the first frost. At the end of the growing season, cut the lemongrass back to about 6 inches tall, reduce watering and fertilizing. If you grow lemongrass in a container, consider bringing it indoors to a bright place protected from frost. Indoor lemongrass can be harvested year-round.
- Harvest When The Plant is Well-Established: Lemongrass is ready to harvest when the stalks are about 1/2″ in diameter, dark green, and the plant is about 18 inches tall.
- Harvest in the Morning: The best time to harvest lemongrass is in the morning. This ensures the lemongrass is at its freshest and most flavorful. Harvesting in the morning when the plant is still full of moisture makes it easier to cut the stalks and reduces the risk of damaging the plant.
How to Harvest Lemongrass Properly?
Here are the steps to harvest lemongrass properly:
- Prepare the Tools: You’ll need a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the stalks. Consider wearing gloves, as the leaf edges can be quite sharp. You can also twist and pull off the stalks using your hands, but be careful not to damage the plant.
- Cut the Stalks: Cut the entire stalks at the base, close to the soil level. Only cut the outer stalks, leaving the inner stalks to continue growing.
- Remove the Leaves and Woody Parts: Trim off the leaves from the stalks (unless you plan to use them for teas, soups, or sauces), and any woody parts at the base, remember the most flavor and aroma of lemongrass are right at the bottom of the stalks.
- Don’t Overharvest: Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure the plant can continue to grow for future harvests.
Tips on Storing Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, curries, and teas. Proper storage is key to retaining its flavor and aroma. Here are some tips on how to store lemongrass:
- Refrigerate: Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wrap the lemongrass in a damp paper towel and place it in an airtight plastic bag.
- Freeze: Lemongrass can be frozen for up to 6 months, wash then chop the lemongrass into small pieces and transfer the chopped lemongrass to a silicone ice cube tray with a lid. Then place it in the freezer until the lemongrass completely frozen, after that place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to six months.
- Dry: Drying is another way to store lemongrass. To do this, cut the lemongrass into small pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in an oven set to the lowest temperature and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Dry the lemongrass for several hours until it is completely dry and brittle. Store the dried lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
With its versatile uses in cooking, teas, and essential oils, as well as its medicinal properties, lemongrass is a valuable addition to any home garden or landscape. By following these harvesting and storage tips, you can enjoy the fresh, citrusy flavor and aroma of lemongrass while also reaping its health benefits.
Happy harvesting!
