Lemongrass

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Lemongrass

Latin name

Cymbopogon citratus

Family

Poaceae

Origin

Tropical regions of Southeast Asia

Crop classification

Aromatic and spicy plants

Exposure

Light-loving

Frost resistance

It does not tolerate frost.

Optimal growth teperature

25 – 30 °C

Water requirement

Regular irrigation

Soil requirement

Clay, loamy-sandy soil

Soil pH

5,5 – 7,5

Edible part

Folium cymbopogon citrati (lemongrass leaf), Oleum cymbopogon citrati (lemongrass essential oil)

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Interesting

Lemongrass, also known as lemongrass, is a tropical grass rich in the essential oil citral, which gives it a typical lemony scent and flavor.

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Usage

Is used in the kitchen, especially in Asian gastronomy, to flavor soups, curries, sauces, teas, and fish and seafood dishes thanks to its strong lemon aroma. In our country, lemongrass is used mainly in tea blends - either in combination with green tea or with herbs.

Agrotechnics of cultivation 

The most common method of propagation is by dividing the clumps. It is also possible to pre-grow seedlings from seed. 

Agrotechnics of cultivation – from seedlings

Harvesting and storage: 

Lemongrass is harvested 4–6 months after planting, just above the soil surface, before flowering, when it contains the most essential oils; mainly the lower parts of the stems are harvested, while in countries with mild winters the plant can grow again and be harvested every 3–4 months. 

Uses: 

Cymbopogon citratus is used in the kitchen, especially in Asian gastronomy, to flavor soups, curries, sauces, teas and fish or seafood dishes thanks to its strong lemon aroma. In our country, lemongrass is used mainly in tea blends - either in combination with green tea or with herbs.  

Impact on human health:

Constituents: citral (neral and geranial), myrcene, limonene, α-pinene, α-caryophyllene, geraniol, linalool, citronellol, geranyl acetate, linalyl formate, hydroquinone, quercetin, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, sterols and organic acids such as chlorogenic, caffeic and p-coumaric

Phytotherapeutic groups: antibiotic, antiphlogistic, insecticide, stomachic 

Diseases and pests: 

Diseases and pests of lemongrass include: rust (Puccinia nakanishikii), bacterial root rot, aphids, bedbugs, caterpillars and mites.