From Garden to Mug: How To Make Lemongrass Tea?

Before we jump into how to make lemongrass tea, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wondrous plant that is lemongrass. Originally from Sri Lanka and South India, lemongrass has now spread worldwide. It’s not only used in culinary practices for its unique flavour but also widely recognised in traditional medicine for its health-promoting properties. It’s this delicate balance of taste and nutrition that puts lemongrass tea on the map of beneficial herbal teas.

Drinking lemongrass tea is not just about enjoying a flavorful cup of tea. The benefits associated with this herbal tea are immense, ranging from improving digestion to reducing anxiety and boosting red blood cell levels. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, folate, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and manganese. All of these elements work together to maintain your body’s immune system and overall health.

So, now that you are aware of the benefits, the question arises, how to make lemongrass tea at home?

Making lemongrass tea is not a complex process. All you need are fresh lemongrass stalks, water, and a sweetener of your choice. Here’s how to make lemongrass tea:

• 4 cups of water
• 2 cups of fresh lemongrass stalks
• Honey or other sweeteners (optional)

Start by taking the lemongrass stalks. Remove any leaves, and cut off the lower bulb and the top of the stalk, leaving only the main body. Rinse it under cool water to remove any dirt.

Put the lemongrass stalks into a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for a few minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavour. Strain the tea into a cup or a teapot, removing the lemongrass stalks.

If desired, add honey or any sweetener of your choice. Your homemade lemongrass tea is ready to serve!

By following these steps, you will master how to make lemongrass tea in no time.

Once you know how to make lemongrass tea, you can start experimenting with variations. You can add other herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, or mint to your lemongrass tea. These add-ins not only provide an extra kick of flavour but also boost the health benefits.

• Lemongrass-Ginger Tea: Add about an inch of freshly peeled and chopped ginger into the pot along with the lemongrass. This combination is especially helpful for digestive issues.
• Lemongrass-Mint Tea: Adding a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pot during the steeping phase of your lemongrass tea provides a refreshing edge, making it an excellent summer drink.
• Lemongrass-Turmeric Tea: Combine a teaspoon of turmeric powder with your lemongrass during boiling. This golden beverage offers an anti-inflammatory boost.

Each variation follows the basic process of how to make lemongrass tea, with the added ingredients enhancing the flavour profile and health benefits.

When you’re exploring how to make lemongrass tea, it’s vital to consider the quality of your lemongrass. When purchasing, opt for stalks that are firm and pale yellow-green with a fragrant lemony scent. Avoid any that are brown or have a wilted appearance.

You can store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic, for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, chop it into pieces, and freeze it. You can also dry lemongrass for long-term storage.

The beauty of learning how to make lemongrass tea is that you can also grow lemongrass in your home garden or even in a pot, ensuring a fresh and readily available supply.

The process of learning how to make lemongrass tea is an exciting journey into the world of herbal teas. This flavorful beverage is not just a delight for the taste buds, but it also offers a host of health benefits. Moreover, with the variations we discussed, you can tailor your cup of lemongrass tea to suit your preferences.

Making lemongrass tea is straightforward and easy, perfect for beginners and seasoned tea enthusiasts alike. So why not give it a try? Brew yourself a cup of this delightful tea, sit back, and soak in the health benefits that each sip brings. The knowledge of how to make lemongrass tea is a skill that benefits your palate and well-being alike. Happy brewing!