DIY Lemon Grass Tea
Ever since my visit to an indigenous community outside Mumbai I’ve been jonesin' for sweet lemon grass tea. Tru Teas has a tasty lemon grass black hibiscus tea, and variations of lemon grass beverages are everywhere these days, but it just isn’t the same. I needed to take matters into my own hands.
Lemon grass stalks are available for purchase at various Asian markets in the Buffalo area, I found mine at Au Chau on Niagara Street. Recalling Research Methods 101, I decided to try a few different approaches to determine the best technique for brewing up the sort of tea I was missing.
The first stalk I diced into inch-long pieces. Next, I boiled them in water and steeped for approximately 20 minutes, scooping out the lemon grass before serving. (I'll tell you all about it in a minute.)
The second stalk I chopped finely. Again, the lemon grass was boiled and then steeped for 20 minutes before straining the grass out. (Be patient.)
The final stalk, was hung to dry. This proved to be a much longer process than anticipated. So after a couple weeks, I split the lemon grass stalk and dried it in the oven at 200 degrees for 30 minutes. Once dry, I chopped the leafy foliage, inserted a pinch into the infuser and steeped a cup of tea. (Cue drum roll.)
And now dear readers the climax of this suspenseful story [sarcasm]: it all depends on your tea preferences.
The first preparation yielded a subtly flavored tea with mild coloring. Personally, I found this most gratifying served cold.
The second preparation yielded a stronger flavored tea and deeper color. This method infused the most quickly. Served hot with sugar it proved tasty and most similar to my experience in India.
The third preparation yielded a faint flavor with minimal color. This is best for those who prefer a very mild flavored tea. It would also be ideal for combination with other ingredients to make a blended tea as the lemon grass won't overpower other flavors.
Served warm or cold it is believed to have medicinal qualities. No matter how you enjoy it, lemon grass tea is always refreshing and sublimely fragrant.
What Do You Think?
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