Lemongrass Juice Recipes

Lemongrass is a type of fragrant grass, indigenous to the warm climatic conditions of the tropics. It is used in preparing tea, soups, stir fries, and traditional cuisines of Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and many other Asian countries. Besides imparting a unique flavor and making the dishes tasty, it is healthy too. Indeed, the refreshing juice prepared from this lemon scented grass is a healthy drink to start your day.

The uses of lemongrass in culinary practices need no introduction. But, what are the benefits of lemongrass juice? First of all, it is effective in fighting against a wide range of disease-causing pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Hence, lemongrass juice and tea are touted as natural remedies to treat common cold and influenza. Applying fresh juice helps cure acne, skin wounds, insect bites and general skin irritations. It acts as an astringent, thereby tightening the skin pores and hair follicles.

Drinking lemongrass juice on a regular basis is an easy way to promote body detoxification in the natural way. As per study reports, lemongrass juice benefits include reducing cholesterol and uric acid levels in the blood. It is mentioned in the traditional medicine for promoting urination and ensuring normal kidney function. On top of these, it serves as a natural antioxidant and analgesic, thus reducing arthritis pain, swelling and inflammation. To reap these benefits, make lemongrass juice at home.

While there are several methods to make lemongrass juice, the first step is common to all, i.e., preparing lemongrass. Select fresh stalks and remove the outer leaves that have already turned brown in color. Slice off the bottom portion, and then cut each stalk into two parts for easy washing. After this, rinse properly to get rid of adhering dust and dirt. Cut the stalks into pieces of about 1 inch in length. For the bottom portions, crush them slightly with the blunt side of a kitchen knife. You can use these pieces in preparing lemongrass juice.

Ingredients

• 3 large lemongrass stalks
• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons sugar

Hoping that you have washed and cut the lemongrass stalks into smaller pieces, keep it aside. Pour water in a saucepan and add the prepared lemongrass. As water begins to boil, reduce heat to low setting and cover with a lid. Allow liquid to simmer for 1½ hours, or until the boiling water thickens a bit and turns greenish.

Add sugar and wait till it dissolves completely. Strain and pour in a serving glass to enjoy a hot drink, or serve it with crushed ice to make iced lemongrass juice.

Ingredients

• 1 bundle of lemongrass
• 2 liters water
• 10 calamansi
• Honey to taste

If you are purchasing lemongrass from the market, consider soaking whole stalk in vinegar for 5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with cold water and slice them finely. Take boiling water and add lemongrass slices into it. Put lid and allow the citrus flavored leaves to steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes. After the liquid cools down, squeeze juice from the calamansi fruits. Strain and stir in pure honey into the lemongrass juice. Chill juice in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lemongrass, preferably lower part
• 1 gallon hot water
• 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• A piece of ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 4 tablespoons cane syrup

The citrus flavor of lemongrass blends perfectly with that of the ginger root. In fact, ginger is a typical ingredient used in lemongrass soup recipes. You can enjoy the same unique flavor by making juice from lemongrass, ginger root and lemon. The quantities to be added depends on your personal taste buds.

Make fine pieces of lemongrass stalks, ginger and add them in hot water. Let them steep for 5-7 hours in hot water, and then strain to separate lemongrass and ginger. Stir in lemon juice, cane juice, honey (if desired) and serve.

As you have seen, the uses and medicinal benefits of lemongrass are innumerable. So, why not try lemongrass juice recipes at home? You can even think of planting this easy to grow grass in your backyard for using it in juice preparation. Incorporate this healthy concoction as a part of your regular diet and very soon, you will be amazed with the improvement signs in skin tone, digestion and general health.