Cymbopogon
Family: Poaceae
Cymbopogon citriodora West-Indian lemon grass
Cymbopogon flexuosus East-Indian lemon grass
Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt Citronella grass
Cymbopogon martini
Lemon grass or lemongrass is a perennial herb used in Asian (particularly Thai and Vietnamese) and Caribbean cooking. It has a lemony flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. Commonly used in teas, soups, and curries it is also suitable for poultry, fish and sea food.
There is over 50 species of Cymbopogon. The East-Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand while the West-Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is assumed to have it's origins in Malaysia. While they both can be used interchangably C. citratus is more suited for cooking. In India C. citratus is used both as a medical herb and in parfumes.
Other species used in the parfume industry is Cymbopogon martini distilled into palmarosa oil and citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt).
Referenced By
Cuisine of Thailand | Cuisine of Vietnam | Herbal tea | List of Poaceaae genera | List of Poaceae genera | List of garden plants | List of herbs | List of herbs and spices | Thai cuisine | Tisane | Vietnamese cuisine
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