Can You Freeze Lemon Grass?
Lemon grass is a popular culinary herb used in many Asian, Caribbean, and Indian dishes. Its citrusy, lemongrass aroma and flavor make it a unique addition to soups, curries, and seafood. However, fresh lemon grass has a relatively short shelf life and can degrade quickly at room temperature. Freezing is an effective way to preserve lemon grass for longer term storage. But there are some important factors to consider when freezing this herb.
Why Should You Freeze Lemon Grass?
Fresh lemon grass has a shelf life of around two to three weeks when properly stored in the refrigerator. At room temperature, the shelf life is reduced to just 7-10 days before significant degradation occurs. The leaves begin to turn brown and the flavor diminishes rapidly once lemon grass is past its prime.
Other forms of lemon grass like pre-processed jars or lemon grass suspensions in oil do not suffer the same fate. The grinding, heating, and bottling process preserves the flavor for a long time. The physical state of these products also lends them better to freezing than fresh stalks.
Should Dry Lemon Grass Be Frozen?
Dried lemon grass can also be frozen, but there are some important considerations. Not all dry lemon grass is made the same way. Some brands use preservatives and drying methods that protect the cells better than others. The moisture content remaining after drying can also vary.
Properly sealed dried lemon grass with low moisture content can be stored in the freezer well with little quality loss. The key is preventing moisture migration and freezer burn, which degrade the texture and potency of flavors. Make sure dried lemon grass is stored in airtight containers before freezing.
How Long Does Lemon Grass Last at Room Temperature?
Fresh lemon grass stored at room temperature has an extremely short shelf life. The USDA recommends using fresh lemon grass within 7-10 days. The stalks will begin to take on a brownish hue and soften past this point.
The rapid degradation is caused by two main factors – enzymatic reactions within the plant tissue itself and microbial growth. Lemon grass leaves contain enzymes that start breaking down cell walls once the stalk is cut. Microorganisms also start growing rapidly at room temperature leading to faster spoilage.
What is Needed to Freeze Lemon Grass?
Freezing fresh lemon grass only requires a few simple supplies:
- Paper towels or tissue paper
- Resealable plastic freezer bags or airtight containers
- Freezer capable of maintaining a temperature of 0°F or lower
Special equipment for flash freezing or vacuum sealing is not mandatory. The goal is to limit air exposure and prevent freezer burn during storage.
How to Freeze Lemon Grass
Follow these simple steps for freezing fresh lemon grass:
- Trim off the dry, tough outer layers of the lemon grass stalk.
- Cut the stalk to the desired size. A good serving size is 8 to 10 inches long.
- Pack the lemon grass tightly in resealable plastic freezer bags or airtight containers. If using bags, squeeze out excess air before sealing.
- Place a paper towel or tissue paper on top of the lemon grass to absorb excess moisture and prevent freezer burn.
- Store the frozen lemon grass in the back of the freezer where the temperature is most stable.
Vacuum sealed pouches are ideal but regular freezer bags work well too. Just make sure to wrap them properly and remove air pockets.
Shelf Life of Frozen Lemon Grass
Properly frozen lemon grass retains optimal quality for 2 to 3 months when stored at a constant temperature of 0°F. The freezer burn protection methods help maintain the signature lemon grass fragrance and flavor.
The leaves will still be usable for longer than the recommended storage duration. But the citrus notes start to degrade which reduces the impact and uniqueness of the flavor profile. Use frozen lemon grass within 5 months for best results.
Freezing is an easy way to enjoy fresh lemon grass for extended periods. With proper packaging and freezing methods, the shelf life can be extended from weeks to months. Make sure to use airtight containers or bags and minimize exposure to air and moisture. Frozen lemon grass can be thawed and used in a wide range of recipes.
