How to preserve lemongrass for year-round use?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Keeping lemongrass means you have bright citrus flavors anytime you want! I freeze what I can't use from my summer garden to enjoy in winter meals. There are many ways to preserve lemongrass, as each will result in a unique form for a specific culinary purpose. Choose methods based on your uses, cooking style, and storage limitations.
Freezing Methods
- Whole stalks retain texture best for soups and broths
- Sliced pieces freeze quickly for immediate stir-fry use
- Puree with oil into ice cubes for concentrated flavor
Dehydration Process
- Air-dry thin slices on racks for 3-5 days
- Use dehydrators at 95°F for 8-12 hours
- Store completely dried pieces in airtight jars
Infusion Options
- Steep chopped stalks in olive oil for dressings
- Combine with vinegar for tangy marinade bases
- Create simple syrups for cocktails and desserts
Flavor Preservation
- Blanch before freezing to preserve color
- Store dried lemongrass away from light sources
- Label infusions with creation dates
Optimize the intensity of flavor through the best preparation methods. Blanch the whole stalks for 90 seconds before freezing to lock in the oils. If using dried versions, gently crush the pieces to release the trapped aromatics first. Store infusions at room temperature for 2 weeks to achieve a deeper flavor.
Use best storage practices to eliminate quality loss. Freeze what you can in small portion-sized bags to prevent air exposure. For storing your dried lemongrass, use dark glass to preserve its potency. Keep oil infusions refrigerated to avoid rancidity. Always label with a date to keep stock rotating.
Your preserved lemongrass opens up culinary possibilities all year round. Add frozen stalks to pho in the winter for authentic flavor. Stir in dried bits while cooking the rice. Drizzle infused oils over roasted vegetables. These methods help convert seasonal abundance into pantry staples.
Read the full article: How to Grow Lemongrass Successfully at Home
