Lemongrass or Ta-khrai in Thai

This erect annual plant resembles a coarse gray-green grass. Fresh leaves and grass are used as flavouring. Lemongrass contains a 0.2-0.4 volatile oil. Therapeutic properties are as a diuretic, emmanagogue, antiflatulence, anti flu and antimicrobial agent.

Also known as citronella, lemon grass has long pale green stalks and a bulbous end similar to a spring onion. Only the bottom 12cm/5in is used. It has a woody texture and an aromatic lemony scent. Unless finely chopped, it is always removed before serving because it is so fibrous. It is used as ingredient of one of the most famous thai recipe which is Spicy Soup with Prawn and Lemon Grass [Tom Yum Koong].