Simple Lemongrass Tea
This simple lemongrass tea is a wonderfully soothing and aromatic beverage, perfect for winding down or aiding digestion after a meal. It highlights the fresh, citrusy notes of lemongrass with minimal effort.
For 2 servings
Prepare the lemongrass: Trim off the very top green leaves and the tough, woody bottom end of each lemongrass stalk. Remove any dry or discolored outer layers.
Bruise the lemongrass: Cut each stalk into 2-3 inch pieces. Lay them flat on a cutting board and firmly bruise them with the back of a heavy knife or a rolling pin. This helps release their aromatic oils.
Boil the water: In a small saucepan or kettle, bring 2 cups (500ml) of water to a rolling boil.
Combine and steep: Place the bruised lemongrass pieces into a heatproof mug or teapot. If using, add the ginger slices and mint sprig. Pour the boiling water over the ingredients.
Infuse the tea: Cover the mug or teapot to trap the steam and steep for 5-10 minutes. For a stronger flavor, steep longer; for a milder tea, steep for less time.
Strain and serve: Carefully strain the tea into serving cups, discarding the lemongrass and other solids. Taste and sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Garnish with a lime wedge if using.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always bruise the lemongrass: Don't skip this step! Bruising is crucial for releasing the fragrant essential oils that give the tea its distinctive flavor and aroma.
- 2Adjust steeping time: For a more intense flavor, steep the lemongrass for up to 15 minutes. If you prefer a lighter tea, 5 minutes is usually sufficient.
- 3Use fresh ingredients: While dried lemongrass can be used in a pinch, fresh lemongrass offers a far superior, brighter, and more vibrant flavor profile.
- 4Experiment with sweeteners: Beyond honey or maple syrup, consider a touch of agave nectar or even a small piece of rock sugar for a traditional touch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ginger-Lemongrass Elixir
Add 2-3 thin slices of fresh ginger along with the lemongrass for a warming, spicier, and even more potent digestive aid.
Iced Lemongrass TeaIced Lemongrass Tea
Prepare the tea as directed, then let it cool completely. Serve over ice with extra lime slices and a sprig of mint for a refreshing summer drink.
Lemongrass & Green Tea BlendLemongrass & Green Tea Blend
Steep a green tea bag or 1 tsp of loose-leaf green tea along with the lemongrass for the last 2-3 minutes of steeping for an added caffeine boost and nuanced flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Digestive Aid
Lemongrass is traditionally used to soothe digestive issues, helping to relieve bloating, gas, and stomach cramps due to its carminative properties.
Rich in Antioxidants
This tea contains various antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Calming and Relaxing
The aromatic compounds in lemongrass have been shown to have calming effects, potentially reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, making it an ideal evening beverage.
Frequently asked questions
While you can technically reuse them, the flavor will be significantly weaker as most of the essential oils would have been extracted in the first steep. It's best to use fresh stalks for each batch for optimal flavor.
