How to Make Lemongrass Tea
Whether it's your first time trying lemongrass tea or you're looking for innovative ways to brew it, check out our favorite recipes right here. You'll learn how to make lemongrass tea and discover which flavors work best.
What Is Lemongrass Tea?
Lemongrass is a plant native to South Asia and India. The plant is harvested and used in Asian food dishes and features a lemony and citrus flavor. Heating lemongrass helps to draw out the lemony notes and also enhances earthy flavors. The tea brews into a light yellow or pale green hue and has a citrusy aroma.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea contains antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial for human health. Compounds in lemongrass tea offer antibacterial effects that can help boost the immune system and prevent infections. The tea also contains antioxidants, which protect against free radicals that can cause oxidative stress (1).
Other lemongrass benefits may help heart health, digestion, and women's health. Research shows that lemongrass may help to lower blood pressure when combined with green tea (2). Lemongrass tea may also help you lose weight when used in place of sugar-laden drinks. The sweet note of lemongrass can satisfy a sweet tooth and prevent cravings for unhealthy sugary snacks. The tea is also naturally calorie-free so you can drink multiple cups every day without feeling guilty.
Fresh Lemongrass Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 fresh lemongrass stalks
- 2 teaspoons Cup & Leaf black tea
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons sugar or another sweetener (optional)
- 1/2 lemon - freshly squeezed
Instructions:
- Bring water to a rapid boil in a large pan on the stove.
- Add the fresh lemongrass stalks to the boiling water and turn the heat down to low. Simmer the lemongrass in the hot water for 10 minutes.
- Add in the black tea leaves and steep for 1 to 3 minutes depending on the desired flavor. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the flavor will be.
- Use a strainer to remove the tea leaves and lemongrass stalks. Add the sugar and stir well.
- Pour into a teacup and add a dash of lemon. Enjoy!
Chamomile, Ginger, and Lemongrass Iced Tea
Don't feel like hot tea? Try brewing lemongrass into a tasty iced tea. The citrus flavors are perfect for a refreshing drink in the heat of the summer. For this tea, you can use fresh lemongrass, fresh ginger, and hand-picked chamomile flowers. For faster brewing, use this recipe that features some of our tasty herbal teas that pair perfectly with lemongrass. Alternatively, you can use tea bags, but note that most tea bags don't infuse flavor as well as loose leaf teas.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Cup & Leaf Chamomile Lemongrass Tea
- 2 teaspoons Cup & Leaf Thai Ginger Tea
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring water to a rapid boil in a temperature-controlled teapot or a saucepan on the stove.
- Add in the tea leaves and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature. If adding sugar, make sure to add it when the water is still hot.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves and pour the concentrate into a large glass pitcher.
- Serve immediately in tall glasses filled with ice cubes or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Fall In Love With Lemongrass
Most grocery stores carry lemongrass or you can grow a lemongrass plant fresh in your garden to brew tea. The tea pairs perfectly with Vietnamese and Indian food.
Pour yourself a cup of lemongrass tea and enjoy the citrus and lemon notes that fill your senses. Drinking lemongrass tea opens up a world of flavor and the opportunity to experiment with dozens of flavors.
Try blending it with spices such as turmeric or earthy true teas like green tea. The sweet and lemony flavors of lemongrass leaves are the perfect addition to a hot drink or iced cold glass of tea.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
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