Can You Freeze Lemongrass?
Yes, you can freeze Lemongrass. You can store Lemongrass for up to six months.
Lemongrass is very perishable, so if you’re planning to freeze it, it’s best first to chop it into small pieces and freeze it in a single layer.
This will allow it to keep its shape better when thawed. You can also freeze Lemongrass in ice cube trays or other containers that are small enough to fit into your freezer.
What is Lemongrass?
Lemongrasses are tropical grasses native to Southeast Asia. They grow as tall as 3 feet (1 meter) with leaves like long green stalks. The leaves have a distinctive lemon scent and flavor.
The most common lemongrass variety is called “Kaffir Lime.” It has a more intense lemon scent and flavor than the Thai varieties. Lemongrass is used both fresh and dried.
How do I use Lemongrass? Lemongrass is commonly used in curries, soups, salads, stir-frys, and rice dishes. Lemongrass lends a distinct citrusy flavor to many Asian dishes.
How to Freeze Lemongrass:
Lemongrass is a sweet, citrusy herb that makes a fragrant tea or oil for massage. It has many health benefits, including relieving the symptoms of migraines and arthritis.
You can infuse it in hot water to make tea, but it’s not for freezing. It can be stored safely in the freezer, though, thanks to the natural preservative properties of citric acid.
Process:
STEP 1 Choose a container large enough to hold all your Lemongrass and other herbs and spices. A plastic container with a tight-fitting lid is ideal.
STEP 2 Remove the outer leaves from the Lemongrass, being careful not to bruise or damage the tender inner leaves. Cut each stalk into segments with at least three leaves on each. Place the Lemongrass in the container.
STEP 3 Add a small amount of citric acid to each container’s corners. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps keep the Lemongrass fresh for a long time. Citric acid also has a slightly citrusy flavor.
STEP 4 Pour a cup of boiling water over the Lemongrass. If you don’t have a tea strainer handy, place the container in a colander or strainer and pour the water through. Add additional boiling water to fill the container if necessary.
STEP 5 Put the container in the freezer for three hours or more and then strain the mixture. You may need to use a filter to get all of the sediment out of the container.
STEP 6 Store the strained liquid in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
How Do You Defrost Lemongrass?
If you’re trying to defrost Lemongrass, you’re in luck. There’s an easy way to remove its chill from the air without wasting your time. It involves three steps: steaming, drying, and freezing. Read on to learn the ins and outs of the process.
Process:
STEP 1 Steep lemongrass in a large pot of water. The next step is to steep the Lemongrass. That means soaking the stalks for up to an hour in this instance. After steeping, drain the Lemongrass, then rinse and dry it.
STEP 2 Freeze the Lemongrass. This step requires a large freezer. Fill a large freezer with ice, then place the Lemongrass inside. Close the lid, then allow the Lemongrass to freeze. You’ll have to open the freezer and check on the Lemongrass a few times during the freezing process. Once frozen solid, take the Lemongrass out of the freezer and store it in an airtight container.
STEP 3 Thaw the frozen Lemongrass. To thaw the Lemongrass completely, put it back into the freezer until it’s soft enough to handle. Then cut off any remaining pieces of Lemongrass and discard them.
What to Look for When Buying Lemongrass?
There are two basic varieties of Lemongrass that are commonly used in cooking. The first is the dried stalks, commonly called “sticks.” They are long and thin, and they look similar to asparagus. The second is the fresh green stalks, the most commonly used variety. These are long and fibrous, with a thick, tough stem.
When buying Lemongrass, you want to look for the thick, dark, fresh green stalks. These will be the widest, most flavorful variety of the two.
Lemongrass can be found in Asian markets, health food stores, and supermarkets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Lemongrass:
How long does fresh Lemongrass last?
Freshly harvested Lemongrass should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than one week.
How long does dried Lemongrass last?
Dried Lemongrass lasts indefinitely.
What to Look for When Buying Lemongrass?
Fresh Lemongrass looks like a bunch of green stalks with a bulbous base. Dried lemongrasses come in various sizes and shapes.
How Long Can You Freeze Lemongrass?
Lemongrass freezes well and keeps its flavor for months when properly sealed.
Can I Freeze Lemongrass Without Damaging It?
Yes, but you’ll lose some of its potency.
Can You Refreeze Lemongrass?
Yes, but not for very long.
Is frozen Lemongrass as good as fresh?
No, because it loses much of its flavor when frozen.
Does Lemongrass contain gluten?
It doesn’t contain gluten per se, but it’s often processed alongside wheat products. If you’re sensitive to gluten, make sure to buy only organic Lemongrass.
Last Words
If you’re looking for a healthy addition to your kitchen, try adding Lemongrass to your meals. It has a unique taste and aroma that stand out among other herbs. And since it’s so versatile, you can use it in many different dishes.
