Vietnamese Name: Xả

Common Culinary Name: Lemongrass, citronella grass

Botanical Family & Name: Poaceae, Cymbopogon Citratatus

Vegetative Description: A long tough grass with sharp edged leaves.  Bulb and most of the stalk have a tough fibrous texture.

Native Habitat & Ecology: Europe, Asia, Africa, New Zealand & Australia.

Tasting Note: Grassy, citrus flavor.

Culinary Uses: Stalk & bulbs used fresh or dried.  Crushed and chopped to use as a marinade for grilled beef, stewed chicken and other curries.  Most common base flavoring for the spicy Huế Noodle soup (Bún Bò Huế).

Medicinal Uses: Tea help aid digestion, calming effect relieves tension in nervous system, insect repellent and a plethora of other medicinal uses.

Propagation: Easily propagated by planting bulbs into ground or pot.  For faster propagation, soak in water to encourage root growth first.  Once clumps become established, they can be separated to start more plants.

Other Names: Ta-krai (Thailand)