Lemongrass can also be successfully grown here. But how do you harvest and store it properly? Find out here!
Harvesting Lemongrass Correctly
Lemongrass is an evergreen, herbaceous plant and can therefore be harvested all year round. To do this, the stalks are simply cut off a few centimeters above the surface of the earth. It should not be cut too deep so as not to endanger the new shoots through injuries. In commercial cultivation, the plants are harvested in one fell swoop and used. In the tropical and subtropical growing areas, the plants can thus be harvested three to four times within a year.
If you grow lemongrass for your own use in the garden, a continuous harvest is recommended as required. So you can always harvest the aromatic young stalks for use in the kitchen. In addition, using freshly harvested lemongrass is of course best.
Store lemongrass correctly
Lemongrass is best used for seasoning immediately after harvest. But even the sweet grass does not stay fresh and rich in flavors forever. However, the lemongrass wrapped in paper can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for a few weeks without losing the intensity of its aroma. If you want to extend the usability of the spice even further, you can also freeze it. As a result, the usability can be increased to up to a year without the lemongrass losing any noticeable intensity. For many other herbs, air drying in the dark is a proven method of extending shelf life. However, this storage method should not be used for the lemongrass. Drying causes a drastic degradation of the essential oils contained and thus leads to a loss of taste.
If you've got a taste for it and want to grow lemongrass in your own garden, take a look at "Growing lemongrass". There is a guide on how toStep by step how to grow lemongrass successfully from propagation to harvest.