OVERVIEW

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is an aromatic plant belonging to the Grami- neae family. The name lemongrass is derived from the typical lemony odour of the essential oil present in the shoot, , but it is far less sour and has a much milder and sweeter smell. It is a tall, clumped perennial grass growing to a height of 1 m. It is a very fast-growing grass which makes cultivating it profitable, and it’s readily and abundantly available almost anywhere. But aside from its many culinary uses as a tea and as a flavoring agent in Asian dishes, this plant also produces an extremely potent substance that has many health-related uses and benefits.

Lemongrass is native to tropical and subtropical regions like India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, South America, and Cambodia. Due to the rise in its popularity, it eventually made its way to the Americas.

This oil of commerce is popularly known as  Cochin oil in the world trade, since 90% of it is shipped from Cochin port. The state of Kerala in India had the monopoly in the production and export of lemongrass oil.

Lemongrass essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation of dried lemongrass. The main constituents of its essential oil are myrcene, citronellal, geranyl acetate, nerol, geraniol, neral, limonene, and citral.Historically, lemongrass essential oil has been known to aid inflammation, indigestion, and fevers. Over time, the oil has been proven to help with many other afflictions. It has since become a common fixture in first aid kits because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as for being a powerful analgesic. Lemongrass oil is used in culinary flavouring. It is used in most of the major categories of food including alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy baked foods, gelatines and puddings, meat and meat products and fat and oils. It is used to improve the flavour of some fish and can be used to flavour wines, sauces etc. Lemongrass oleoresin is mainly used in flavouring foods, drinks and bakery preparations. Traditionally lemongrass is developed for perfumery with emphasis on citral content.

APPEARANCE 
Pale yellow to orange brown liquid

ODOUR
Fresh, citrus, lemon-like