How To Incorporate Lemongrass In Your Next Batch Of Iced Tea

Iced tea is as versatile as it is refreshing. This beloved hot-weather beverage comes in flavors ranging from chai to jasmine to chamomile, not to mention the creative blends that Starbucks and other shops have invented. If you're looking to explore the full potential of your iced tea this summer, trying a new flavor is a great way to do so. One flavor that we highly recommend is lemongrass.

Lemongrass is a Southeast Asian plant that has a mild, citrusy flavor with subtle floral notes. It has long been used to make tea because of its appealing taste and smell, along with its documented anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. Making a glass of lemongrass iced tea is very easy. First, remove the hard outer layers of a single stalk and separate the white portion from the green. Working with the white half, bruise it slightly to release its flavor and scent and then steep it in boiling water until the desired strength of flavor is achieved. Once you've brewed the tea, you can serve it over ice or let it chill in the refrigerator until it has reached your preferred temperature.

Given the steady rise in the popularity of lemongrass, it is becoming more widely available at local grocery stores. It can be found in the produce section and is typically sold in a bundle of stalks, looking similar to leeks or green onions. If your grocery doesn't sell lemongrass, check specialty shops or a local Asian market. You can also purchase a dried version of the ingredient, which can be steeped in a similar fashion to tea leaves.

The delicate flavor of lemongrass pairs well with many other teas, allowing you to mix and match according to your palate. We recommend complementing it with other citrus flavors such as lemon or lime as well as with herbal teas like ginger or mint. If you are a fan of adding milk to your iced tea, you can also experiment by adding flavors like coconut milk, as the rich and nutty flavors will further enhance those found in lemongrass.