Lemongrass
(Caffeine Free Herbal Tea)

Lemongrass. 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.

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.

Hot brewing method: Use 1 heaping teaspoon of lemongrass per one cup of water and place this into your teapot (many successfully use a tea infuser when making herb tea). Pour boiling water into pot and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain as you pour into your cup and savour one of nature’s best offerings!

Cold brewing method:  FOR ONE PITCHER - Put 6 teaspoons into a 5-6 cup tea pot. Pour boiling water into the pot and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain and pour gently into your pitcher. If you wish, you can add ice into the pitcher or pour over ice into a tall glass. For a terrific taste add some honey, cinnamon and slices of half an orange.