To freeze lemongrass, trim the stalks, wrap them well, and they keep for up to 3 months; in the fridge, tightly wrapped untrimmed stalks last up to 2 weeks. Freezing is the best option if you bought a large bunch for one recipe. This guide covers each method, how to use frozen lemongrass, and what to expect from the flavor.
Start With Good Stalks
Storage works best with fresh stalks that are green, firm, and fragrant. Set aside any that are yellowing or limp, since they will not improve. If you are not sure what to look for or how to trim them, see our guide to how to use lemongrass.
How to Store Lemongrass in the Fridge
America’s Test Kitchen says to wrap untrimmed stalks tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them up to 2 weeks. Tasting Table suggests wrapping them in damp paper towels first, then sealing them in a zip bag with as little air as possible and keeping the bag in the crisper drawer. For a few extra days, you can also stand the stalks in a glass of water with the bases submerged.
How to Freeze Lemongrass
Whole Stalks
- Trim off the green tops.
- Wrap the stalks in plastic and seal them in a zipper-lock bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw briefly before using.
Flash-Frozen Pieces
Tasting Table suggests washing the stalks, trimming the root and leaves, and spreading them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them. Flash freeze for one to two hours, then move them to a labeled freezer container with the date.
Paste or Cubes
For a paste, America’s Test Kitchen grinds the lemongrass in a mortar or food processor, freezes it in 1-tablespoon mounds on a plate, then moves the frozen portions to a zipper-lock bag. These can be used without thawing. Tasting Table’s alternative is to blend the lemongrass with water and freeze the purée in ice trays.
Does Frozen Lemongrass Taste the Same?
Not quite. Tasting Table notes that frozen lemongrass has an inferior taste, aroma, and texture compared with fresh, so it suggests freezing only a small portion if you use it often. It still works well in teas, soups, and broths, where the flavor is infused and the stalk is removed.
A simple habit is to freeze lemongrass in the amounts you usually cook with, such as one or two stalks per bag, so you can take out only what you need while the rest stays frozen. Label each bag with the date so nothing gets forgotten at the back of the freezer.
Ways to Use What You Stored
- Simmer frozen pieces into a pot of lemongrass tea.
- Make a batch of lemongrass ginger tea.
- Use the paste in marinades and soups.
How to Store Lemongrass FAQ
Can you freeze lemongrass?
Yes. America’s Test Kitchen says whole trimmed stalks wrapped in plastic and sealed in a zipper-lock bag keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How long does fresh lemongrass last in the fridge?
America’s Test Kitchen says untrimmed stalks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil keep up to 2 weeks. Tasting Table describes an optimal shelf life of a few weeks.
Do you need to thaw frozen lemongrass?
Whole frozen stalks should be thawed briefly before using. Frozen paste portions can be used without thawing.
Does freezing change the flavor of lemongrass?
Slightly. Tasting Table notes frozen lemongrass has inferior taste, aroma, and texture compared with fresh, so freeze only a small portion if you use it often.
Sources
- America’s Test Kitchen: How to Buy, Prep, and Store Lemongrass
- Tasting Table: How To Store Fresh Lemongrass So The Herb Actually Lasts
Need ideas for the rest of your pantry? See types of herbal tea.