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Herbal (tisane) · Cochin grass

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon, Cochin grass, Malabar grass

7.2/10 editor's score

Lemon-scented tropical grasses. East-Indian lemongrass, also called Cochin or Malabar grass, is native to India. The dried leaves make a bright tea.

Caffeine-freeLemonTropical
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried lemongrass, top-down

What you need

1.5 g dried lemongrassLemongrass
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:002 steeps
InfusionPale yellow-green
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

Lemon-scented tropical grasses.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit9.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestYear-roundCut several times a year.
Pairs withThai curries, Ginger, CoconutLess good with milk
Grown asTropical lowlandsKerala, Malabar coast
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Lemongrass

What sources say about the taste

Sources say dried lemongrass gives a flavour reminiscent of lemon juice, with a mild sweetness and no real sourness 2.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

KeralaMalabar coastINDIA
Plant
Cymbopogon flexuosus and C. citratus 12
Names
Cochin grass, Malabar grass 1
Native to
India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand 1
Taste
Lemon-like, sweet, not sour 2

More from Kerala and India.

History and culture

Lemongrass is used alone or to flavour other teas 2.

Editor's score

7.2/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 6.5Availability: 7.5Value: 9.0Beginner-friendliness: 9.0Versatility: 7.5Flavour 6.0Heritage 6.5Availability 7.5Value 9.0Beginners 9.0Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Lemongrass0 mg

Lemongrass is caffeine-free. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

A tropical, perennial grass. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Cymbopogon flexuosus, a perennial grass native to India 1.

How it is made
01Cutting

Leaves cut.

02Drying

Dried and chopped.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry lemongrassCut, pale green grass.
LiquorPale yellow-green.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft grass pieces.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Thai curries
  • Ginger
  • Coconut

Best avoided

  • Milk

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Cut leaf is standard.

Buying tips

  1. Should smell strongly of lemon.
  2. Keep sealed.
FAQ
Is it sour?

No: it tastes of lemon without the tartness 2.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from IndiaKeralaCaffeine-freeLemonTropical

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Cymbopogon flexuosus". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon_flexuosus
  2. Wikipedia, "Cymbopogon citratus". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon_citratus
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.