Originally from Asia, lemongrass has become a huge hit in our home gardens lately. The best part? You can basically harvest it year-round, meaning you’ll always have that bright, zesty flavor ready to go whenever inspiration strikes.
Harvesting Lemongrass Fresh
If you’re growing your own lemongrass in a pot or out in the garden, you’ll want to harvest it as close to cooking time as possible. Those amazing aromatic oils that give it that signature scent evaporate pretty quickly once cut. To get the most punch out of your lemongrass, don’t let it sit around—snip it right before you’re ready to use it so it stays fresh and fragrant.
Which Parts Should You Actually Use?
Lemongrass is made up of green tops and white bases. Generally speaking, the white, fleshy bottom part of the stalk is what you’re after for cooking. While the green leaves aren’t toxic, they can be pretty tough and don’t taste nearly as good. The exception? Super young, tender green bulbs or the very tips of the leaves. If you mince those up finely or crush them in a mortar and pestle, they can actually be a great addition to your dishes.
How to Harvest Lemongrass the Right Way
You can harvest lemongrass all year long, but you’ll want to take it easy during the winter months. Try not to give the plant a “major haircut” when it’s cold out; just take what you need sparingly and leave those new shoots alone so the plant stays healthy.
When you’re ready to harvest, remember that the white parts are the stars of the show. Here is the best way to do it:
- Cut the stalks off right above the roots. Be careful not to nick or damage the root system itself!
- Trim away the long green tops, leaving just the white section of the stalk.
- Make sure to leave enough bulbs with side shoots attached to the plant. This ensures the plant can keep producing new stalks for your next harvest.
Don’t Toss the Green Leaf Tips!
If your lemongrass is growing like crazy and getting a bit unruly, go ahead and trim those green leaf tips. While they might be too woody for a stir-fry, they are absolutely perfect for making a refreshing, homemade lemongrass tea. Just chop them up and let them steep!
