JUNE FOOD OF THE MONTH: LEMONGRASS

• Taste: Pungent, Bitter, Sour

• Temperature: Cooling

• Post-Digestive Effect: Reducing

• Dosha: Pacifies all doshas

• Qualities:  Light, Dry, Penetrating

• Cooking suggestions: Remove the root end and peel off the fibrous outer stalk to reveal a soft inner core. It will be pliable/ bendable, and that is how you know you are at the right area. Slice very thinly, stop slicing once you reach the fibrous tops of the core. Option to puree into a paste, steep for tea, or use as a cooking spice like garlic/ onion.

• Flavor pairings: Coconut, carrots, lemon, lime, pineapples, rice/ whole grains, noodles, tofu, tomatoes

• Spice pairings: coriander, cilantro, ginger, garlic, turmeric, mint, onions, chiles

• Where to find: You will find the fresh stalks in most Asian supermarkets, some natural grocery stores, lemongrass paste (next to the ginger paste in the produce section), or your local farmers market if you live in a warm environment (that's where I find mine). It will die off in the winter and grow back in the summer. In the USA, it grows in the southern half of the US and the southern western coastal margins (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Southern California, Texas, and Hawaii).

• Season: June-November

Ayurvedically, lemongrass is known to restore the lymphatic, blood, muscle, and nervous tissues. It has an affinity for the respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and female reproductive tissue.

Lemongrass strengthens digestion without disturbing pitta. It regulates the absorption of nutrients and the downward movement of wastes. It is helpful to relieve gas, cramps, and colic. It is also an expectorant - a category of herb known to expel excess mucus from the lungs. It even has a broncho-relaxing effect known to reduce asthma.

Lemongrass also reduces fevers and ama (toxins) through its mild cooling diaphoretic effect (sweat-inducing effect, but in a cool way :)). It is actually referred to as "fever grass" in many parts of the world because of its profound effects on reducing fevers. If having painful menses, lemongrass is a great go-to. It relieves inflammation and spasms in the uterus. It also has this effect on muscle tissue, making it great for muscle pain (I am sure you have smelled or experienced some lemongrass during a massage before :)). If breastfeeding, lemongrass is another great go-to as it nourishes and encourages breastmilk tissue.

Lemongrass can be used as an ingredient in food, especially Asian cooking. If you can't find it, you can always use lemon zest as a substitute, but nothing really replaces that distinct lemongrass flavor. It also makes a lovely summer-time, cooling, calming, digestive tea or cooler!

A little tip: If you buy a bunch of fresh lemongrass and don't use it all, and, don't want it to go bad, stick it in the freezer. It will last for about 6 months, after that, its tastes and qualities will start to degrade.

If looking for dried lemongrass for teas/ drinks:

Dried cut and sifted lemongrass (great for building your own tea blend or making quick lemongrass tea by steeping 1/2 tsp - 1 tsp of the leaves in 1 cup hot water covered for 30 minutes - 1 hour (the longer the steep, the stronger the brew))

Lemon Tulsi Ginger quick tea bags (great for immunity, fevers, colds or when you want a quick tea)

Try out these lemongrass recipes!

GREEN HERBY PASTA SAUCE

RED LENTIL LEMONGRASS CURRY

LEMONGRASS COOLER