Mention Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon citratus, and it immediately conjures up the aromas and magic of the East. Here in the UK only the stems are available from supermarkets for use in the kitchen.
It was not until I started growing Lemon Grass at the Herb Farm that I discovered how amazingly useful and flavoursome the leaves are both in the kitchen and for herbal remedies.
Lemon Grass is indigenous to Southeast Asia. Records show that the Persians were using it as a tea in the first century BC. The first time I drank it as a herbal tea was when I visited Malaysia, it was served cold, which was surprising, but once drunk, one realised that it was a truly refreshing drink that cleared the palate and helped one unwind after a long journey.
Canton Tea are very resourceful at sourcing their teas and this is no exception. I was very pleased to receive from them the following photographs which depicts the Lemon Grass plantation at the Amba estate in Sri Lanka
and not only shows the immense care that is taken in growing it organically but also how carefully it is harvested.
Once harvested the grass is cut by hand, which takes time, but ensures a beautiful product. So you can be assured that this is the best Lemon Grass tea you will have ever drunk.
This herbal tea is immensely beneficial, it is a weak sedative and a stomach and gut relaxant, so it is ideal for drinking after a meal. It is also a good antidepressant and helps lift the spirits especially when one is in a bad mood. But whatever your mood I can guarantee it will tantalize your taste buds and lift your spirits.