Grown in Thailand, our lemongrass exquisitely captures the sweet aroma of lemons while maintaining an earthy flavor. It has an uplifting light sensation.
Open a packet of lemongrass, (Latin: Cymbopogon flexuosus) and inhale its subtle yet complex aroma. This perennial herb, native to Southeast Asia is noted for its lemony scent and ginger undertones. Its lemon character is due to a high concentration of citral, its main biological component. While lemongrass is commercially grown from China to Paraguay, our offering comes from Thailand, the country which it is most commonly associated with.
Ingredients: Artisan Lemongrass
Origin: Thailand
Although most people in the west think of Thailand as simply a beautiful travel and tourism destination, the economy of the country is largely based on agriculture. Of Thailand's roughly 65 million people, 64% are engaged in agriculture with roughly 5.2 million farming families. Most of these families run small subsistance operations. In recent years however, the Thai government has encouraged crop diversification as a way to help build a more sustainable agricultural economy. Among the crops they recommended was lemongrass. Why was lemongrass chosen? Interestingly, the Thai government recognized that since millions of Thai nationals had emigrated to Western countries, and with Thai restaurants subsequently springing up everywhere from London, to Buenos Aires, to Milwaukee, lemongrass was effectively being marketed worldwide. They saw that the world over, the lemony flavour was being used to flavor everything from curry to Thai milk shakes. Lemongrass was practically selling itself!
Aside from its myriad uses as a culinary ingredient, the people of Thailand have for centuries prized the plant for its many purported medicinal uses. Thai folk remedies for ailments ranging from fevers to muscle cramp all use the herb as a base ingredient. As well, in Thailand, tea made from the plant is thought to calm the nerves, and restore the spirit. In our experience lemongrass can be brewed on its own, or used as an excellent additive to other blended teas. Try some today and experience an exotic taste of Southeast Asia.
Not every herb in this world can claim to have been endorsed by royalty. Lemongrass, (Latin: Cymbopogon ciatrus), can make that claim. The royal personage in question, ancient Thailand's Phra Chao Sri Sanpetch VIII, the 29th King of Krung Sri Ayutthaya, also known as the "Tiger King", attributed his incredibly high energy level in part to the abundance of Lemongrass in his diet which he felt gave him the boost he needed to face his opponents.
Brewing Instructions
Water Temperature: Boiling
Water Quality: Best with Spring Water
Amount of Leaf (per 6 fl oz water): 1 Tbl. (2.5 grams)
Steep Time: 5-7 minutes
Number of Infusions: 1
Herb and fruit teas are very forgiving! With very few exceptions you will need boiling water to bring out the full flavor of the ingredients. Steep for at least 5 minutes--the longer the better. There's really no such thing as too long, and there's no need to remove the herbs and fruit at all. But because of that, don't expect to get more than one infusion.
