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Lemongrass: What It Is and How to Use It

Lemongrass: What It Is and How to Use It

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall tropical grass with a bright lemon-ginger flavor — a cornerstone of Thai and Vietnamese cooking and a beloved tea herb worldwide. Get it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, where it's popular with both home cooks and tea blenders.

Available in Bulk

We carry lemongrass in our bulk herb section so you can grab the exact amount you want, from a spoonful to a full bag. Dried lemongrass is wonderfully economical — a small scoop flavors many pots of tea or curry — and our staff can help you find it.

What We Carry

  • Dried lemongrass, cut and sifted — sold by weight, for teas, soups, and cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does lemongrass taste like?

Fresh lemon layered with warm ginger and a hint of floral sweetness. It's more complex than plain lemon — the ginger-like warmth is what makes it so distinctive in Southeast Asian dishes.

How do you cook with dried lemongrass?

Add it to simmering broths, curries, and soups (like tom yum) and remove before serving, the same way you'd use the fresh stalks. For teas, simply steep a tablespoon or two per pot. It pairs beautifully with ginger, galangal, coconut, and chili.

How do I brew lemongrass tea?

Steep one to two teaspoons of dried lemongrass per cup of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. It's naturally caffeine-free and refreshing both hot and iced — try it blended with ginger for extra warmth or mint for a cooling summer cup.

Can dried lemongrass replace fresh stalks?

In teas and long-simmered dishes, yes — dried lemongrass delivers plenty of flavor. For dishes where the stalk itself is chewed or finely minced (like some Thai salads), fresh is better. For everyday cooking and tea, most people find the dried form convenient and flavorful.

Did you know? Lemongrass's signature lemon scent comes mainly from a compound called citral — the same aromatic compound that gives lemon peel much of its fragrance (per the USDA phytochemical references).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff can help you find lemongrass in the bulk section and suggest recipes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.