Don’t miss our tips on how to buy lemongrass! In this guide, you can learn what to look for in the highest-quality lemongrass and where exactly you can buy it from.
Lemongrass is used in a variety of delectable dishes across the globe, but this elusive piece of produce can sometimes be difficult to locate at the grocery store.
A sweet, strong, and fragrant herb, lemongrass adds a lot of zest to popular meals like soups and stews. While too much can be overpowering, the perfect amount is the one flavor that can tie the whole dish together.
It is important that you get your hands on the very best lemongrass that your store has to offer. Keep reading to learn how you can make that happen.
Also Read: Buying Bay Leaves – Fresh or Dried
Where Does Lemongrass Come From?
As a perennial plant, lemongrass is tough and can survive even in harsh winter climates. For that reason, it is grown almost everywhere.
In the United States, you’ll most likely be buying lemongrass that has been grown from produce farms in Mississippi and Louisiana, as humid conditions are perfect for this fast-growing grass.
Some lemongrass is also grown in Wisconsin where many stalk vegetables and herbs come from.
Buying Lemongrass – Where to find it Right Now?
If you are craving the lemony zest of lemongrass right now, you should start finding the best local options to buy it.
You might not be able to spot it right away at the store, but you can follow the below tips to narrow down your search. Even if you live in a rural area, it should not be too difficult to find a bit of lemongrass for your kitchen.
Grocery Store
Lemongrass is usually kept next to the other fresh herbs and produce, such as cilantro, mint, and parsley. If you cannot find any fresh lemongrass in the produce aisle, you might be able to find some that have been frozen or dried.
Farmer’s Market
You’ll find plenty of fresh options at your local farmer’s market. While there is no guarantee that a farmer in your area grows lemongrass, it is always worth taking a trip to your local fair to see what organic and fresh supplies are on offer.
Online Options
If you cannot find any fresh lemongrass through your grocery store, markets, or individual family farmers, you still have the option to purchase lemongrass online.
It may not be as fresh or as affordable as in-store options, but you can buy different types of lemongrass from plenty of websites around the world.
What to Look for in High-Quality Lemongrass
Don’t just pick up the first stalk of lemongrass you see at the market. It has to be ripe and in season, like any other kind of produce. Here are some things that might indicate a healthy stalk of lemongrass:
- Fragrance: Lemongrass has a famous lemon smell, and the more fragrant it is, the riper it is. Make sure your stalk smells strong and smells good.
- Firmness: The stems should be firm and pale to bright green in color. The bulbs at the end should be tight and firmly closed.
- Dryness: Lemongrass that is a little bit dry at the top is fine to eat and is likely ripe. Overly dry lemongrass may be past its prime and will not produce as good of a flavor.
On the other side of the coin, there are some types of lemongrass that you should just never touch. Don’t buy any that looks like this:
- Discolored: Yellow, brown, or gray lemongrass has gone bad and it will not provide nutritional value. In fact, it could make you sick.
- Soft: If you can bend the lemongrass without it breaking, it may not be ripe enough. It should be firm enough to bruise when you bend it, releasing its odors.
Knowing how to buy lemongrass is the key to getting your hands on the freshest stuff on the market.
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What are the Best Prices for Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is not very expensive, although it is sometimes less common than other herbs and produces. This can determine its price per season and per region.
Try shopping around and compare lemongrass prices in your area to make sure that you are getting a good deal. For the most part, you should be able to get a few stalks for a few dollars.
Here’s how to cut down on your prices as well:
1. Try Buying Lemongrass in Bulk
You can buy your lemongrass in bulk to cut costs on your prices. If you don’t use it all right away, you can freeze the rest of it for later. Buying in bulk helps you get more for less!
2. Find the Right Season
If lemongrass is not in season, it may be more expensive at the market just because it is harder to keep alive and fresh. Wait until it is growing feely and see if those prices drop.
Get the Best Lemongrass Today!
With your new knowledge and some luck, you will be able to go into your local grocery store or supermarket to find a fresh bundle of lemongrass. This delicious herb can really spice up any meal, adding the perfect bit of fun flavor that the whole family can enjoy.
Lemongrass is cheap, plentiful, and easy to store. Start shopping for lemongrass today and add them to your favorite dish!
When purchasing lemongrass, look for stalks that are firm and fragrant. The stalks should be a pale yellow-green color and have a slight bend to them.