Lemongrass Tea

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Intensity Level: Easy (Beginner)

• Flavor Profile: Light, citrusy, floral, with a clean finish

Ingredients

• 4 stalks fresh lemongrass (or 4 tablespoons dried lemongrass)

• 3 cups water (750 ml)

• Honey, jaggery, or sugar to taste (optional, but recommended to balance the tartness)

• Optional additions: a thin slice of fresh ginger, a few mint leaves, or a squeeze of lime

Equipment

• Small saucepan

• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors

• Strainer

• Teapot or mugs

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass (5 minutes)

Begin by preparing the lemongrass stalks. Cut off the woody root base and the tough, dry upper leaves. You only want the tender, pale yellow-white inner core of the stalk. Peel away any dry outer layers. Using the back of your knife or a heavy spoon, gently bruise (smash) the stalks. This crucial step cracks the fibers and releases the essential oils that give lemongrass its signature fragrance . If using fresh leaves rather than stalks, simply rinse and chop them into 4-centimeter lengths .

Step 2: Bring to a Boil (Intensity: High)

Pour the water into a small saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bruised lemongrass stalks. If you are using ginger or mint, add them now so they can infuse alongside the lemongrass.

Step 3: Simmer and Infuse (Intensity: Low to Medium)

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the tea simmer gently. The intensity here should be a soft, steady simmer—not a violent boil, which can evaporate too much liquid and make the tea bitter. Allow it to simmer for 5 to 8 minutes . The water should turn a pale yellow, and your kitchen will fill with a bright, lemony scent.

Timing Note: If you prefer a stronger, more medicinal brew, you can extend the simmering time to 10 minutes . For a lighter, more delicate cup, stick to the 5-minute mark.

Step 4: Steep Off-Heat (Intensity: Passive)

Turn off the heat but do not remove the lid immediately. Let the lemongrass steep in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes off the heat . This passive infusion extracts the remaining flavor without over-boiling the plant matter.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into your teapot or directly into mugs. If you are using honey, stir it in now while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely . If using jaggery or sugar, add it during the boiling phase in Step 2 if you prefer a deeper, caramelized note.

Serve hot. For an iced version, let the tea cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least an hour before pouring over ice .

Nutritional Information

Note: The following nutrition facts are based on one serving (1 cup) of unsweetened lemongrass tea. Adding honey or sugar will increase the calorie and carbohydrate content.