What is the average shelf life of lemongrass? How long does lemongrass last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store lemongrass to increase their shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below:

Shelf Life of Lemongrass

	Pantry	Refrigerator	Freezer
Fresh	5-7 Days	1-2 Months	2-3 Years
Ground	2-3 Years	-	-
Dried	2-3 Years	-	-

Lemongrass is a stalky type of plant that has a lemon scent. It grows in tropical climates. It is mostly found in Southeast Asia. Lemongrass belongs to the aldehyde family. It has a shelf life of around 1-3 years. It is not recommended for internal use. It is anti-fungal in nature.

What to Look For While Buying Lemongrass:

You should choose lemongrass that has firm, long, heavy, and green stalks, along with chubby bulbs. They should not be rubbery, soft, or old. The lower trunk of the lemongrass should be a pale-yellow color (almost white), while the upper stem should be green. Avoid purchasing the lemongrass if the outer leaves are brown or crusty.

Lemongrass is also available fresh and sold in a bunch of 3-4 stalks. However, if you cannot find one, you can search for the frozen packets of lemongrass.

How to Store Lemongrass:

You need to store lemongrass in the fridge after wrapping it completely. It will keep the lemongrass fresh for a few weeks or so. You can also freeze-dry a whole bunch of lemongrass and cover it while storing it in a cool, dark place.

You can grind lemongrass into a powdery form and store it in an airtight jar for later use in dishes, as well.

Keep in mind that lemongrass should be stored away from light, heat, and oxygen, as it might lead to oxidation and produce a rancid smell.

How to Handle Lemongrass:

Before you cook with lemongrass, cut the lower bulb, and remove all the outer leaves. The yellow section of the stalk is the part used for cooking Thai dishes. Reserve the upper part of the stem, which is a green color, for curries and soups to add extra flavor.

There are two options for using lemongrass. One includes the simple cutting of the yellow stalk in lengths and releasing the lemon flavor. Another option is to slice it and consume all its flavor and nutrients. You can cut the yellow section, place it in the food processor, or pound it with the help of a mortar and pestle.

The Purpose of Lemongrass in Cooking:

It is one of the standard ingredients used in Thai cooking, which provides a zesty lemon flavor, along with a lemony aroma to Thai dishes. You can also substitute lemongrass with a pinch of lemon or lime juice, but keep in mind that it will not replicate entirely due to particular qualities.

It is perfect for cooking soups, such as Tom Yum Kung soup, in which lemongrass plays a vital role.