Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that adds a unique citrusy flavor to dishes, especially in Asian cuisines. Whether you grow it in your garden or purchase it fresh, proper storage is essential to keep lemongrass fresh and ready for use. Here’s how you can wrap and store lemongrass leaves to maintain their aroma and flavor.
Why Store Lemongrass Properly?
Lemongrass is highly aromatic and can lose its fragrance if not stored correctly. By wrapping and storing it the right way, you can extend its shelf life and make sure it retains its essential oils for cooking.
How to Wrap Lemongrass Leaves
- Trim the Ends:
If you’ve just bought or harvested fresh lemongrass, start by trimming the tough, woody ends of the stalks, leaving the more tender, flavorful parts for use. You can use these trimmings in soups or stock. - Tie Them Together:
If you have multiple stalks, gather them together and tie them in a bundle using twine or a rubber band. This makes them easier to store and helps prevent them from drying out. - Wrap in Paper Towel:
Gently wrap the lemongrass stalks in a damp paper towel. This keeps the leaves hydrated without making them soggy, which can lead to mold. - Plastic Wrap:
Once wrapped in the damp paper towel, cover the lemongrass bundle in plastic wrap or place it inside a plastic bag. This helps seal in the moisture and prevents the herb from drying out too quickly.
How to Store Lemongrass
- Refrigeration:
- Store the wrapped lemongrass in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The cool temperature will keep the leaves fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Alternatively, you can store the lemongrass upright in a glass of water (similar to how you store fresh herbs like basil) in the fridge. Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh.
- Freezing Lemongrass (For Long-Term Storage):
- If you have more lemongrass than you can use in the short term, freezing is a great option.
- Cut the lemongrass stalks into smaller pieces or leave them whole.
- Wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Frozen lemongrass can last for 6 months to a year and can be used directly from the freezer in cooking.
- Drying Lemongrass:
- If you prefer dried lemongrass, tie the stalks together and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- After a few weeks, the lemongrass will be dried and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- You can also dry lemongrass in a dehydrator or oven at low heat if you need it to dry faster.
Using Stored Lemongrass
- Fresh lemongrass can be used in teas, soups, curries, stir-fries, and even desserts.
- For dried or frozen lemongrass, simply crush or chop it into pieces and add it directly to your dishes.
- When using frozen lemongrass, there’s no need to thaw it first!
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