What is Lemongrass Tea?
Lemongrass tea is a bright, citrusy herbal infusion made by steeping the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon citratus). The lemongrass plant is tall, aromatic tropical grass - you’ve likely come across it if you’ve ever enjoyed classic Southeast Asian soups and curries, as it’s commonly used to bring a lemon-like lift to Thai dishes in particular, but it’s just as refreshing on its own in a cup.
As it is not brewed from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis - the tea plant - Lemongrass tea is actually not a true tea at all: it’s a herbal infusion, or tisane. Read more about why herbal teas are not actually teas here.
What does Lemongrass tea taste like?
True to its name, Lemongrass tea brews a bright yellow, lemony cup that zings with a sweet, citrusy freshness that lingers long after drinking. A fragrant, aromatic tea, it often has subtle hints of ginger adding to its soothing, sweet profile. Its clean finish makes it perfect as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, and delicious hot or cold.
How to brew Lemongrass tea
Our Lemongrass tea is available as either loose leaf or as teabags. As with all of our teas, we provide brewing instructions for how to make the most delicious cup.
As a herbal tea, Lemongrass benefits from a high temperature for a longer period of time than other tea types, such as greens, oolongs and whites. We recommend brewing 1.5g dried leaf or 1 teabag, per 200ml water, in freshly drawn, boiling (100°C) water for 4 minutes.
The result is a bright yellow liquor with a fragrant aroma, clean finish and refreshing, lemony sweetness. Lemongrass tea also makes a deliciously refreshing iced tea - try our Lemongrass Fizz recipe for an invigorating summer cooler.
How much caffeine is there in Lemongrass tea?
As a herbal infusion, Lemongrass is naturally caffeine-free - perfect for any time of day.
Other benefits of Lemongrass tea
Lemongrass is packed with antioxidants, supplementing your immune system all year round, and is rich in essential minerals such as iron, potassium and magnesium.
The stems and leaves of the lemongrass plant (the parts used for lemongrass tea) produce an essential oil known as citronella - a classic insect and mosquito repellent. Whilst we can’t promise that in its diluted tea form it’ll hold up against modern insect repellents, it makes a delicious addition to picnics and BBQs, and might even keep unwanted creepy crawlies at bay.
How best to enjoy Lemongrass tea
Lemongrass is an incredibly versatile tea, enjoyed both hot and cold. Its bright, citrusy profile allows it to be brewed in distinct ways, depending on the region. For example, in the Caribbean, it’s known as ‘Fever grass’, and is enjoyed hot or cold with honey and a squeeze of lime to help ward off colds. Meanwhile in Southeast Asia, it is often served with fresh pandan leaves or ginger as a customary welcome drink.
In winter, we love the invigorating effect of its natural zing, with nothing else added, but on a hot day there is little more refreshing than a Lemongrass Fizz, served over ice with lime and simple syrup, with either a little mint or cucumber.
