Lemon Grass (Latin name, Cymbopogon citratus), a native of India, is a tall tropical grass with leaves at the top and a solid portion several inches long at the root end. The fresh stalks and leaves have a clean lemon-like fragrance because it contains an essential oil, which is also present in lemon peel. The herb is used in Caribbean and many types of Asian cooking. The fresh stalks of lemon grass can be dipped in gravies. Dried grasses are less spicy, but can be powdered with other masalas. Lemon grass is used in perfume oils, savoury dishes and meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetable curries. The grass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. Bhustrina or Sera are two common names of the grass in India.
