Lemon Grass Powder Uses

Lemon grass powder is made from the dried and ground stalks of the lemongrass plant.

This aromatic herb has a delicious lemon flavor and scent that makes it a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes.

Where to Buy Lemon Grass Powder

You can easily find lemongrass powder sold in small jars at most grocery stores these days, especially those with an international or Asian foods section. Check the spice aisle for the lemongrass powder, sometimes labelled as "dried lemon grass" or "powdered lemongrass".

Many online stores also sell lemon grass powder if you can't find it locally. Look for reputable spice companies that sell herbs and spices in small or bulk quantities. The powder is often available in sizes ranging from one ounce up to one pound or larger.

When shopping, look for bright green powder that smells fresh and lemony - this indicates better flavor and that the herb wasn't sitting around too long before being packaged. Avoid any powder that is dull, brownish or smells musty.

Key Takeaway: Look for bright green, fresh-smelling lemon grass powder sold in small spice jars at grocery stores or reputable online spice retailers.

How Is Lemon Grass Powder Made?

Lemon grass powder starts with the fibrous stalks of the lemongrass plant, which grows in tropical areas. The long, pale green stalks are first dried naturally under the sun or using mechanical dryers.

Once fully dried, the outer layers are removed and the stalk is sliced into smaller pieces. It is then further dried and ground into a fine bright green powder using commercial grinding equipment.

No other ingredients are added - the powder is 100% made from the original lemongrass herb. However, some lemon grass powder products may contain traces of other plants due to cross-contamination during processing. Always check labels for allergen information if needed.

Flavor and Aroma

The flavor and aroma of lemon grass powder is often described as citrusy, lemony, ginger-like and slightly floral. It has a scent and taste very similar to the fresh herb.

Its tangy, lemon notes pair excellently with coconut milk, mint, cilantro, ginger and curry spices. The powder brings a wonderful brightness and zip to dishes, especially ones featuring seafood, chicken or vegetables.

Using Lemon Grass Powder in Recipes

Lemon grass powder works very well as a replacement for fresh lemongrass in many recipes. It brings that same delightful lemon essence but without the fibrous texture of the fresh stalks.

The powder incorporates seamlessly into liquids and sauce mixtures. It also nicely coats pieces of meat or seafood when used as an ingredient in marinades.

Here are some of the most popular ways to use lemon grass powder in your cooking:

Soups and Curries

Lemon grass powder adds incredible flavor to Thai and Vietnamese-style soups. It brings a lovely lemony aroma and ginger undertones to classics like tom yum and hot and sour soup.

It also makes a fantastic addition to Thai curry pastes. Mix some into your red or green curry paste along with garlic, ginger, chilies and makrut lime for incredible flavor depth.

Meat and Seafood Dishes

Chicken and seafood both pair wonderfully with the flavors of lemon grass. Use the powder in marinades for meats you plan to grill, broil, sauté or bake - sprinkle it onto chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, shrimp and scallops beforehand along with other herbs for delicious results.

You can also add it to the seasoning mixture or breading you use on meats and fish before frying or baking.

Sauces and Dressings

Boost the flavor of any creamy sauce or vinaigrette by adding a bit of lemon grass powder - it brings a lovely brightness. Try a sprinkle whisked into aiolis, herb sauces or salad dressings that feature ingredients like ginger, chilies, cilantro, coconut milk, sesame oil, rice vinegar or lime.

The fragrant powder also makes a wonderful addition to compound butters - mix some into an herbed lemon-parsley butter for serving over grilled fish.

Rice and Noodle Dishes

Incorporate some lemon grass powder into the liquid used for cooking rice or noodles to infuse everything with its lovely essence. It adds excellent flavor stirred into the broth used for rice noodles or the water used to make jasmine rice.

You can also simmer it with aromatics like sliced ginger, garlic and makrut lime leaves then use the mixture to cook grains like quinoa, farro or barley.

Baked Goods and Desserts

Believe it or not, lemon grass powder can make a tasty addition to some baked goods as well when used judiciously. Add a small amount to muffins, quick breads or cakes that feature tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut or lime.

It also pairs nicely with chocolate or pear flavors. Try adding a pinch or two to the batter for chocolate or pear muffins. You may also enjoy it whisked into the cream filling used in profiteroles or cream puffs.

Lemon Grass Powder Dosage

Determining how much lemon grass powder to use comes down to personal taste, but here are some general guidelines when substituting it for fresh lemongrass:

• For every one fresh stalk (2-4 inches long) called for, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of lemon grass powder.
• When a recipe calls for chopped or minced fresh lemongrass, start with about 1 teaspoon powder per tablespoon of chopped herbs.
• For fresh lemongrass that is bruised or smashed before simmering in liquids, use approximately 1 teaspoon powder for every bruised stalk.

Always start with less powder and add more to taste - it is easy to get carried away and use too much. The flavor can become unpleasantly strong if you overdo it. It is ideal to slowly tweak recipes with small amounts at a time.

Key Takeaway: As a general rule of thumb, use 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of lemon grass powder for every stalk of fresh lemongrass called for in a recipe.

Storage and Shelf Life

Properly stored lemon grass powder will maintain optimum flavor and aroma for 6 months to 1 year. It is important to store it correctly to get the longest shelf life out of your powder.

Keep containers of lemon grass powder tightly sealed and in a cool, dark cabinet away from heat, light and moisture. Over time, heat and light exposure causes the oils in the powder to dissipate, resulting in flavor loss.

Any powder stored for over a year will still be safe to consume but may have a weak aroma and flavor. Give it a sniff test - if it fails to smell lemony fresh, it is past its prime.

For the longest shelf life, consider storing excess powder in the refrigerator or freezer. Kept frozen, the powder can maintain good flavor for up to 3 years.

Key Takeaway: Tightly seal lemon grass powder and store in a cool, dark place for 6 months to 1 year maximum flavor and aroma retention. Refrigerate or freeze for even longer shelf life.

Is Lemon Grass Powder Gluten Free?

Most lemon grass powder contains nothing except pure ground lemongrass, making it a naturally gluten-free product. Double check labels though, since facilities that process multiple spices have a risk of cross-contamination.

Responsible companies will clearly label products "gluten-free" that have been processed safely for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Choose explicit "gluten-free" products from trusted brands whenever possible - this ensures no wheat, barley or rye has come into contact with your powder during production or packaging.

Substitutes for Lemon Grass Powder

If you find yourself needing an alternative for lemon grass powder, here are a few potential stand-in ingredients:

• Lemon zest - Freshly grated lemon zest or bottled grated lemon peel provide aromatic citrus flavor.
• Lemon juice - Adds bright acidity but lacks herbal aromatics.
• Dried lemon peel - Sold in small jars, these add some complexity.
• Ginger - Minced fresh ginger or ground ginger powder contribute some bite.
• Lime zest/juice - Not quite as lemony but offers vibrancy.

Keep in mind that none of these substitutes fully replicate the exact lemon-ginger perfume and flavor of lemongrass. For best flavor results, lemon grass powder has no true equal.

FAQs

Is lemon grass powder spicy?

No, lemon grass powder is not spicy or hot by itself. It has a lemony, zingy flavor along with ginger-like aromatics. Some people do describe a slight numbing sensation from lemon grass, but it does not contain capsaicin or any irritants that cause a true spicy heat.

What does lemon grass powder taste like?

Lemon grass powder tastes like a mix of lemon flavors combined with ginger, with a flowery nuance as well. It is citrusy and tart but also warm and fragrant. The powder form retains all the key flavor notes of the fresh herb.

Can you use lemon grass powder to make tea?

Yes, lemon grass powder can be used to make herbal tea. Use about 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of powder per cup of hot water and allow to steep 5-7 minutes. Strain out any powder dregs if desired before drinking. The resulting tea will have a lovely lemony aroma and taste lightly gingery.

What is a good lemon grass powder substitute?

If lacking lemon grass powder, reasonable substitutions include grated lemon zest, lime zest, dried lemon peel or ginger powder. None perfectly replicate the exact flavor but can provide some of the tangy citrus taste and warmth. For best results though, lemon grass powder has an incomparable flavor and aroma.

Conclusion

With its delightful lemon-ginger perfume and tart flavor, lemon grass powder makes a fantastic addition to numerous savory and even sweet recipes.

Use this aromatic dried herb to lend dishes like soups, curries, marinades and sauces a wonderful brightness and herbal complexity.

With proper storage, lemon grass powder will keep its rich flavor for many months of frequent kitchen use.