The plant around us. Volume 1 The plant around us. Volume I | Page 55

Gastronomic use
Medicinal use
It is fully demonstrated the effectiveness
of the essential oil of Cymbopogon
citratus
against
the
bacterium
Helicobacter pylori.
Citronellol is an essential oil constituent
from Cymbopogon citratus. Citronellol
has been shown to lower blood
pressure.
Cucumber lemongrass flavored water
Ingredients:
1/2 cucumber
1 stalk lemongrass
4 cups of water
Ice
ice
Directions:
Wash the cucumber. Using a vegetable peeler remove
some of the waxy peel from the cucumber. Proceed to
peel the cucumber into ribbons using the vegetable
peeler. Put the ribbons into the pitcher.
Using your hands, peel away the rough outer edge of
the lemongrass. Cut the lemongrass in half, lengthwise.
Place the lemongrass onto a cutting board. Using a
rolling pin, gently smash the lemongrass. Add to the
pitcher of ice and cucumber ribbons.
Fill with water. Give a stir. Let chill in the fridge at least
an hour.
Fill about 1/4 of the pitcher with ice, stir, and enjoy.
Lemon grass leaves may be used green or dried to
make a delicious tea.
Lemon grass is mainly used in is a popular culinary
herb in Asian cuisine and used to add lemony flavor to
soups, stews, curries and vegetable and rice dishes.