A healthy start to the year with our Kampot Lemongrass

Dear lovers of exotic flavours and natural well-being, the New Year is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to explore the benefits of our Kampot Lemongrass. We’d like to share with you the history, uses and benefits of this fragrant herb, while introducing you to our two delicious formats for incorporating it into your daily routine: as an infusion with Lemongrass Leaves and in cooking with Lemongrass Stems Powder.

Kampot Lemongrass: A Fragrant History

Lemongrass is native to South-East Asia, and its roots are deeply rooted in Cambodian history. It is in Kampot, a picturesque province of Cambodia, that our farm, La Plantation, has been proudly growing this herb for several years. The region’s tropical climate and fertile soils give our lemongrass a unique aroma and flavour, making it the perfect ingredient for adding an exotic touch to your dishes and drinks.

The benefits of lemongrass

As well as its refreshing taste, lemongrass offers a host of health benefits. It is reputed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ally for boosting the immune system. It also aids digestion, relieves stress and anxiety, and may even help reduce fever. The antioxidants present in lemongrass are said to be a major boost to overall health.

Traditional use in Cambodia

traditional dishes. The famous Cambodian ‘Lok Lak’, a stir-fried beef dish, is enhanced with lemongrass for an explosion of flavour. Num Banh Chok”, a Cambodian noodle dish, is often accompanied by a delicious lemongrass sauce. In Cambodian cooking, lemongrass is king, adding a touch of elegance and freshness characteristic of dishes from our region!

Lemongrass: what flavour?

Lemongrass has a distinctive, fresh aroma, with strong notes of lemon. The aromatic compounds present in lemongrass include citronellol, geraniol and citral, which are responsible for its characteristic fragrance. These compounds give citronella a lemony, herbaceous and slightly sweet aroma.

– Infusion with Lemongrass Leaves : To start your day on the right foot, there’s nothing like a hot infusion with lemongrass. Carefully dried Kampot lemongrass leaves release an exquisite fragrance when infused in hot water. This soothing drink helps you to relax, invigorate and eliminate toxins from your body. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other herbs for a unique taste experience. To prepare this soothing drink, follow these simple steps:

> Boil some water.
> Add a tablespoon of dried lemongrass leaves to a mug.
> Pour the boiling water over the lemongrass leaves.
> Leave to infuse for 5 to 7 minutes.
> Remove the leaves and enjoy your fragrant infusion. You can sweeten it with honey or a little sugar if you like. To begin with, try it without sugar to get the full benefit of its unique fragrance.

This drink will help you to relax, invigorate and eliminate toxins from your body. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other herbs for a unique taste experience. It is also ideal to consume after meals for optimal digestion.

– Cooking with Lemongrass Stem Powder : Our Lemongrass Stem Powder is the perfect way to add an exotic flavour to your dishes. You can sprinkle this powder over your meat, fish, vegetables or vegetarian dishes for a unique, fragrant taste. It goes perfectly with winter dishes, warming both your soul and your palate. What’s more, it’s the ideal ingredient for detoxifying dishes, allowing your body to regenerate naturally. Here’s how to use it in your cooking:

> Sprinkle powdered lemongrass stalk over your meat, fish, vegetables or vegetarian dishes for a unique, fragrant flavour. Just as in this delicious lemongrass coconut chicken recipe.
> You can also add it to marinades, soups and broths for an explosion of flavour.

Lemongrass is more commonly associated with Asian and tropical cooking, but it can also be creatively incorporated into French winter cooking to add a refreshingly exotic touch. Our Citronella Stem Powder is the ideal ingredient for winter dishes. It warms your soul and your palate, transforming simple dishes into exotic delights!
Here are some ideas for using lemongrass in traditional French winter dishes:

Savoury Dishes

Pot-au-feu with lemongrass : Ajoutez de la poudre de Tiges de Citronnelle à votre pot-au-feu pour infuser le bouillon d’une saveur subtilement citronnée. Cette touche exotique apportera un contraste intéressant à la richesse des viandes et des légumes.

Lemongrass vegetable soup : Mix powdered lemongrass into a winter vegetable soup, such as pumpkin or parsnip soup. The lemongrass will enhance the sweetness of the vegetables and add a touch of freshness.

Coq au vin with lemongrass : Add stalks of lemongrass to your coq au vin for an exotic variation on this classic dish. Lemongrass goes well with red wine, mushrooms and onions.

Sauerkraut with lemongrass: When preparing your sauerkraut, stir lemongrass into the cabbage and sausage mixture. It will add a fresh and original dimension to this traditional winter dish.

Blanquette of veal with lemongrass: Use stalks of lemongrass in the cooking of your blanquette of veal for a touch of originality. Lemongrass blends well with the sweetness of the meat and vegetables, creating a slightly exotic version of this traditional dish.

Pork roast with lemongrass: Infuse lemongrass in olive oil with herbes de Provence, then brush over a pork roast before roasting. The lemongrass adds a lemony, fragrant note to the dish.

Celeriac purée with lemongrass: Cook celeriac with lemongrass stalks for a lightly spiced winter purée. The lemongrass complements the sweet, earthy flavour of the celeriac.

Tagine with lemongrass: Add lemongrass stalks to a tagine with winter vegetables such as carrots, turnips and sweet potatoes. Lemongrass complements the oriental spices for an explosion of flavour.

Sweet Dishes

Apple and lemongrass tarte tatin: For a modern touch, mix lemongrass with your caramelised apples when preparing the tarte tatin. Lemongrass adds an exotic touch to this classic dessert.

Galette des rois with lemongrass: For an original version of the galette des rois, add chopped lemongrass to the frangipane. The lemongrass will enhance the sweetness of the almonds and add an exotic note to this traditional Epiphany dessert.

Crème brûlée with lemongrass: Infuse the cream with lemongrass before preparing your crème brûlée. The lemongrass adds a subtle touch of citrus fruit that blends perfectly with the sweetness of the cream.

Custard with lemongrass: Infuse lemongrass into the cream before preparing a delicious custard to accompany desserts such as chocolate cake or pudding.

By creatively incorporating lemongrass into traditional French winter dishes, you can explore new flavours and give your cooking an exotic, fragrant touch.

Kampot lemongrass is much more than just an exotic spice. It’s a symbol of Cambodia’s rich culinary history and offers health benefits we can all appreciate. So, as the new year begins, discover this treasure of Cambodian nature, and let yourself be carried away by the aromas and benefits of lemongrass.
At La Plantation, we’re proud to offer you the best Kampot Lemongrass, grown with love and passion, and with incomparable freshness, from our Farm to your Table, so that you can enjoy its benefits to the full. Here’s to a new year of exquisite flavours and natural well-being!