How to Make Lemongrass Tea

What You'll Need

• A Lemongrass Plant, or Fresh or Dried Leaves
• Sharp Scissors
• Boiling Water
• Mug or Tea Pot

Lemongrass tea is made from a perennial grass which can be grown in a garden or a container. As a tropical plant it does not take well to cold, but as it takes well to containers this is no obstacle to adding it to your collection. The white portion of the stalk is known as a wonderful flavoring for cooking, but that's not the only portion of the plant that can be used. The leaves are also an excellent flavoring, and are known for making a soothing tea that is believed to have a number of health benefits. The tea is easy to make and has a rich, lemony scent and taste.

Step 1 – Pick Lemongrass Leaves

The leaves are the part of the plant used to make lemongrass tea. The leaves can be used either fresh or dried. Cut the green portion of the leaves from a your lemongrass plant using a pair of sharp scissors. If you don't have a lemongrass plant, you can purchase the leaves fresh or dried from some health food stores.

Step 2 – Optional: Dry the Leaves

Lemongrass leaves can be stored by drying. Hang bunches out of full sun until dry, or place the leaves on a drying rack and store in a cool, dry place. The leaves can also be dried in an oven between 100 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch carefully for browning and turn the leaves at increments. Once the leaves crumble at your touch, they're dry enough and should be stored in a resealable plastic bag.

Step 3 – Prepare the Leaves

Fresh leaves should be washed before use and cut into 1 to 2 inch lengths with a pair of clean, sharp scissors.

Dry leaves should already be broken into pieces.

Step 4 – Make Tea

Place one or two fresh leaves in a cup, cut into 1 or 2 inch lengths, or one or two leaves worth of dried lemongrass leaves. Pour boiling water over the leaves and leave to steep for 10 or 15 minutes.

Leaves can also be placed in a tea pot and water added. Use more leaves for a larger pot of tea, but adjust the amount to suit your personal taste.

Step 5 – Optional: Flavor

You can add sugar, honey or any kind of fake sugar as a sweetener if that suits your taste. Other teas and herbs can be added to create a different taste. However, the flavor of lemongrass is often considered unique and wonderful on its own.

Step 6 – Cold Tea

In hot weather you might prefer a cold tea. Double the number of leaves in each cup of hot water and steep until extra strong. Then pour the hot tea over a cup of ice to create a cold cup of ice tea. Alternately, create a large jar of tea and keep it in your refrigerator to savor all day long.