Herb
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical grass whose fibrous stalks deliver bright citrus perfume to Southeast Asian soups, curries, pastes, and teas. Only the tender lower core is usually sliced for eating; outer layers bruise for infusion and are removed before serving. Fresh stalks outshine dried or powdered forms for aroma. Closely related citronella grasses differ in culinary suitability, so true Cymbopogon citratus and flexuosus types are preferred in the kitchen.
Also known as: Takhrai, Sả, Sereh, Gandhatrina
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A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
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Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0.75 g
- Saturated Fat 0.2 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.11 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.41 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 23.8 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Total Carbohydrate 6.68 g
- Dietary Fibre 3.7 g
- Total Sugars 1.02 g
- Complex / starch 0.92 g
- Protein 2.99 g
- Water 84.7 g
- Energy 43 kcal
- Water 84.7 g
- Carbohydrates 6.68 g
- Sugars 1.02 g
- Monosaccharides 0.72 g
- Disaccharides 0.31 g
- Starch 0.92 g
- Amylose 0.23 g
- Amylopectin 0.69 g
- Digestible Starch 0.78 g
- Resistant Starch 0.09 g
- Fibre 3.7 g
- Soluble Fibre 1.3 g
- Insoluble Fibre 2.41 g
- Protein 2.99 g
- Plant Protein 2.84 g
- Fat 0.75 g
- Saturated Fat 0.2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.11 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.41 g
- Vitamins 441 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.07 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.13 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 0.87 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.34 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.17 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 1.7 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 66.2 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 2.34 mg
- Vitamin K 348 µg
- Minerals 264 mg
- Major Minerals 258 mg
- Trace Minerals 6.6 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.05 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.07 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.13 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 0.87 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.34 · vitamin-b6: 0.17 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 1.7 · vitamin-b9-folate: 66.2 · vitamin-e: 2.34 · vitamin-k: 347.6 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 23.84 · Potassium: 177 · Calcium: 57 · Iron: 1.2 · Zinc: 0.4 · Iodine: 5 ·
Fresh herbs are aromatic leaves—modest macros, concentrated micronutrients and polyphenols per gram dry.
History
Lemongrass was used in South and Southeast Asia for food, tea, and traditional medicine.
Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cuisines fixed lemongrass in curry pastes and broths.
Colonial trade and later global restaurants spread fresh and dried lemongrass worldwide.
Supermarket fresh lemongrass became widely available beyond Asian grocery specialists.