How to Brew Lemongrass Tea for a Fresh, Citrusy Cup
By Tha Alkaline Hour | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to brew lemongrass tea with the right steeping time for a bright, citrusy cup, plus how to make iced lemongrass tea and avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Brew lemongrass tea by steeping fresh or dried lemongrass in water just off the boil for 5 to 7 minutes. Use about one tablespoon of chopped fresh lemongrass or one teaspoon of dried lemongrass per cup, and adjust the amount to your taste.
Fresh vs. dried vs. powder: which form gives the best cup
Fresh lemongrass stalks deliver the brightest citrus aroma, but they need to be sliced or bruised to release their oils. Dried lemongrass is more concentrated and convenient, while powder dissolves quickly and can turn cloudy if overused. Each form changes both the flavor and the steeping time, so pick based on the cup you want rather than assuming one is universally better.
Why steeping time matters more than you think
Lemongrass releases its citrus oils gradually. Under-steeping gives a weak, grassy cup, while over-steeping pulls out bitter tannins and a woody aftertaste. The sweet spot is usually 5 to 7 minutes for fresh or dried leaf, but powder can be ready in 3 to 5 minutes. Taste as you go rather than relying on a fixed timer.
Common mistakes that flatten the flavor
Two frequent errors are using boiling water and skipping the bruising step. Water at a rolling boil can scorch delicate citrus oils, and whole stalks that haven't been crushed or sliced release very little flavor. Also, don't overcrowd the pot: lemongrass needs room to circulate. If you're making iced lemongrass tea, brew it stronger than you would for a hot cup, because melting ice will dilute it.
Step-by-step lemongrass tea recipe
- Prepare the lemongrass: For fresh stalks, trim the root end and remove the tough outer layers, then slice the tender lower portion into thin rings or bruise it with the back of a knife. For dried lemongrass, measure about one teaspoon per cup. For powder, use about half a teaspoon per cup. Slicing or bruising is not optional; whole stalks barely flavor the water.
- Heat the water: Bring fresh water to a boil, then let it cool for about 30 seconds before pouring over the lemongrass. The target temperature is just off the boil, around 200°F (93°C). Do not pour actively boiling water directly onto the lemongrass.
- Steep: Add the prepared lemongrass to a teapot or cup, pour the hot water over it, and cover to trap the aromatic oils. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes for fresh or dried herb, or 3 to 5 minutes for powder. Start tasting at the 4-minute mark; stop when the flavor turns bright but not bitter.
- Strain and serve: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into your cup. Taste and adjust: if it's too strong, add a splash of hot water; if it's weak, steep a little longer. For iced lemongrass tea, let the brewed tea cool, then pour over ice. For iced tea, brew double strength before chilling to avoid a watery drink.
Product facts
- Lemon Grass: Lemon Grass is available in both whole herb and fine powder forms, in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. Whole herb suits traditional steeping and straining, while the powder dissolves quickly for single cups or iced tea; the size range lets you match the amount to how often you brew.
Lemon Grass
