There are plants that amaze with the variety of their application. Some herbs are used not only in cooking, but also in medicine and cosmetology. The name of one of these representatives is lemongrass or lemon sorghum. Cymbologon, blackbeard and lemon grass are also its names.
Material Content:
What is lemongrass?
Relatives of lemongrass are plants from the genus bluegrass or cereal, in total there are about 50 species. The native land of this aromatic herb was originally the tropics with a humid and warm climate, but over time, the distribution area of the plant spread quite widely, and now it is grown even in harsh climatic conditions.
Cymbologan has thin and long stems with a rigid, fibrous structure. The leaves brighten closer to the root and may have a slightly reddish hue. Aromatic shades include the smells of anise, lemon and ginger. The stems of a blackbeard are rich in essential oils, the main component that is a substance called citral.
Externally, the plant is very similar to a sprawling bush, which consists of thin stems with sharp endings. And some species can reach a length of up to 2 meters.
Chemical composition and calorie content
The table below shows the data on lemon grass:
Lemongrass
| Property | % content in 100 grams of product |
| Calorie content | 99 kcal |
| Fats | 0,49 |
| Squirrels | 1,82 |
| Carbohydrates | 25,31 |
| Name of substance | % content |
| NLC | 0,118 |
| Ash | 1,9 |
| Calcium | 725 |
| Phosphorus | 102 |
| Magnesium | 59 |
| Zinc | 2,25 |
| Manganese | 5,223 |
| Iron | 8,15 |
What smells and what does it taste like?
The aroma of the plant is complex and reveals gradually. You can find notes of anise in it, the first bright smell resembles a juicy lemon, and in the aftertaste remains a bitter shade of ginger.
Lemongrass resembles citruses in taste, and light astringency makes its taste remotely similar to grapefruit.
When choosing this plant, preference should be given to copies that meet the following qualities:
- leaves and stems should be fresh and elastic, if they are sluggish and soft, then the plant has lost its taste and aromatic properties;
- the color of lemon grass should be as follows: juicy green above, white below;
- In no case should you use lemangrass with external brown leaves.
Useful properties and contraindications
The composition of lemon sorghum includes two important chemical components:
- geraniol;
- central.
In addition, the plant is rich in vitamins and minerals such as:
- a nicotinic acid;
- vitamin C;
- B vitamins
The plant has a general strengthening and tonic effect on the body, as well as:
- serves as an antimicrobial and antifungal barrier, this contributes to the substance citral;
- helps the immune system, as it contains strong antioxidants;
- breaks down fatty plaques on the walls of the vascular network;
- has a diuretic effect;
- stops the development of tumor formations;
- heals the gastrointestinal system;
- has a laxative effect;
- has a good sedative effect;
- relieves seizures in patients with migraine;
- facilitates breathing in respiratory diseases;
- improves blood flow;
- prevents insulin surges in patients with diabetes.
But despite all its positive properties, this herb also has contraindications for use:
- pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to consume lemon grass;
- if a person simply does not tolerate this product, then it is also better to refuse in order to avoid provoking an allergy;
- with insomnia;
- if a person suffers: glaucoma, epilepsy or hypertension.
The use of lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil is an antiseptic and antioxidant of natural origin.
Oil is used in many areas of cosmetology to solve problems such as:
- skin inflammatory processes;
- dermatitis of various origins.
And also it is part of many masks and mixtures for steam baths for the face. Sea salt is impregnated with lemongrass oil, which is subsequently used for healing baths. Anti-cellulite formulations, including lemon sorghum, cope well with body fat.
Aromatherapy based on this herb has an effective response:
- blood circulation in the brain improves;
- increased attention;
- mental activity increases;
- symptoms of a cold pass;
- but the stress factor goes away;
- eliminates nervous exhaustion.
Attention! Like any essential oil, lemongrass oil should be consumed in a strictly dosed form. The scent of lemongrass can cause a headache.
Cooking use
The plant is part of many Asian dishes: soups, salads, and is used in baking.
In order for the plant to give all the aroma and taste, it must be properly processed:
- The stem is soaked for about an hour in cold water.
- For salads and soups, the upper part of the green color is suitable.
- The upper hard leaves must be removed and discarded.
- Next, the stem should be put on a cutting board and beat off well with a meat chopper.
- Chopped off stalk into thin pieces.
After this procedure, the air will be filled with unusual fresh notes.
It is important to remember that in soups, especially those so thick and saturated as Tom Yam soup, grass should be added at the very end of cooking so that the delicate flavor does not disappear.
Lemon sorghum can be used in combination with the following products:
- fish with white meat;
- seafood;
- vegetables;
- potatoes.
Cymbologan is well combined with spices such as:
- cinnamon
- ginger;
- chili pepper;
- cilantro;
- garlic.
Especially interesting is the combination of lemongrass with coconut milk.
How to make lemongrass tea?
A great remedy for colds and emotional experiences is brewed lemongrass in the form of tea.
Such an ingredient is good both in a monobus and in combination with other herbs.
A few recipes for brewing a healthy drink:
- 20 grams of dry raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water. The drink insists for about 10 minutes, after which it can be drunk;
- 30 grams of chamomile + 10 grams of fresh ginger + 20 grams of fresh and chopped lemongrass, brew the mixture with boiling water and leave for 10 minutes;
- Koporsk tea 20 grams + dry lemon sorghum, pour boiling water and leave for 20 minutes;
- milk oolong 10 grams + green tea 10 grams + dry blackbeard. Attention! The temperature of boiling water should not be higher than 95 ° C .;
- fresh sorghum + mint and lemon balm leaves. Excellent sedative;
- fresh lemongrass + frozen cherry + green tea, this mixture should be poured with boiling water and cool well, then add ice and a few sprigs of mint, it turns out an excellent summer home-made lemonade;
- lemon + lime + lemon sorghum + dry chamomile. This is also the basis for lemonade;
- orange + cinnamon + honey + fresh lemon grass. Squeeze fresh orange juice, add a little cinnamon and warm on a stove, then add thinly sliced orange peel and lemon grass. Insist 10 minutes.
Lemongrass and other spicy herbs are true friends both in the kitchen and in household appliances, and such a useful garden can be grown even on the windowsill.
