Lemongrass, also called oil grass, is a tropical grass native to
Southeast Asia that is also grown for culinary and ornamental purposes
in warm, humid climates elsewhere.
The young shoots are commonly used in Asian cuisine to add lemony
flavor to soups, such as classic Thai version that includes
cilantro and
chili pepper. In India, lemongrass is often used as an ingredient in a
specialty herbal coffee called chukku kaapi. This beverage is also
considered a traditional Kashayam, an Ayurvedic tonic that typically
includes holy basil (Tulsi),
black pepper and
ginger.
