Lemon grass

[CWS4322]

I have a lovely bunch of lemon grass. In the past, although sold as a perenial, it doesn't overwinter. I am wondering how best to preserve it? I am bringing the small pot in, but I have some that is about 3 ft tall. I know you only use the white part, but the "fronds" have a lovely scent when fresh. Any ideas if I can dry those or toss them in the woodstove to "scent" the house?

 

[gratefulchef]

You might want to infuse it in some oil and then maybe it could be used like potpurri

 

[Claire]

I've used it to make stock. When I mark it before freezing so I know it will have that distinct SE Asian flavor. Mine, potted, got so large that I finally decided to divvy it up, re-pot it, and gave it to gardening/gourmet cooking friends (I live far enough north that it won't live outside in the garden over winter, or I'd never have given it up). Now I have the best of all worlds; friends (who have better environments for winter inside gardening) who can give me lemon grass when I want it!

 

[CWS4322]

Do you just add it to a SE Asian chicken stock? I have some chicken stock that I didn't flavor waiting for attention in the fridge...more like chicken gelatin <g>. I can make it SE Asian with some ginger, garlic, lemon grass, ... miso, ... green onion...

 

[jennyema]

I have a lovely bunch of lemon grass. In the past, although sold as a perenial, it doesn't overwinter. I am wondering how best to preserve it? I am bringing the small pot in, but I have some that is about 3 ft tall. I know you only use the white part, but the "fronds" have a lovely scent when fresh. Any ideas if I can dry those or toss them in the woodstove to "scent" the house?

I had a ginourmous lemongrass plant three years ago and I still have stalks in the freezer.

Infuse tea or lemonade or vodka with the stalk tops.

 

[CWS4322]

Vodka I can do <g>. Did you just clean the ends and toss the stalks in the freezer?

 

[licia]

It can be used in vinegars too. I have a huge bunch that comes back each year. I was so sure I'd lost it last year - the worst winter we've had in ages, but it came back as good as ever.

 

[TATTRAT]

It freezes just fine, no worries at all.

I would make up a batch of some nice chicken stock, with lemongrass, some Kaffir lime leaf, some ginger or galangal, and just save as a nice soup/sauce base to have on hand.

I am not sure how adventurous you want to be, but it also makes some GREAT sorbets, and ice cream.

 

[chopper]

It freezes just fine, no worries at all.

I would make up a batch of some nice chicken stock, with lemongrass, some Kaffir lime leaf, some ginger or galangal, and just save as a nice soup/sauce base to have on hand.

I am not sure how adventurous you want to be, but it also makes some GREAT sorbets, and ice cream.

Lemon grass ice cream. Now that sounds good!

 

[TATTRAT]

Lemon grass ice cream. Now that sounds good!

Yeah, it is amazingly refreshing, you just have to be careful so it doesn't end up tasting like Pledge, lol. Serve in a coconut tuile, and finish with a little Lime zest.

I personally prefer it as a sorbet for intermezzo, paired with something sweet and spicy, like a slice of candied jalapeno. Great contrast, cooling, cleaning, and wakes the palate back up.

 

[chopper]

My kind of Pick-me-up!

 

[CWS4322]

I loved the Avocado ice cream I made...lemongrass ice cream sounds a bit tame <g>.

 

[TATTRAT]

I loved the Avocado ice cream I made...lemongrass ice cream sounds a bit tame <g>.

No more/less tame than avocado ice cream. There are a million and six ways to doll things up.

 

[jennyema]

Vodka I can do <g>. Did you just clean the ends and toss the stalks in the freezer?

Yes. I cut them to about 6 inches. You can use the top few inches to flavor soups and sauces.

 

[CWS4322]

Okay--I have the vodka. Can s/one share a TNT method of infusing it with lemon grass?