I have such admiration for this plant. It might have something to do with the fact I can successfully grow this tropical herb in our finicky Northeast summers with relative ease. Well, not so much this year...our normal 5' yield was cut short by a wet, cool start to summer. Anyway, not too shabby a harvest for a challenging growing year.
Most of the praise comes from its benefits and versatility. About ten years ago, I stumbled upon a recipe for Lemongrass Simple Syrup which could be used as a hot or cold beverage. I'd read about the antispasmodic benefits of lemongrass essential oil and after a bad bronchial infection; I was DESPERATE. I was surprised and delighted how Lemongrass soothed my aching chest and mind. Since then, this recipe is part of our herbal medicine arsenal.
Lemongrass Simple Syrup
- Small handful of Dried Lemongrass Stalks
- 2 Cups Organic Sugar
- 2 Cups Distilled or Filtered Water
- 1/2 Cup Juice of Lemon
Bring to a boil on medium heat, stir often to dissolve sugar. Turn down to low and allow to steep for at least 30 minutes. Cool and serve with hot water (great for colds), seltzer (delicious herbal soda) or something stronger (AH-MAZING cocktail syrup).
Be Well.
Tammy
