All About Lemongrass
Your complete guide to lemongrass - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lemongrass Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lemongrass in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Raw in Fridge (whole stalks)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Stalks become soft, rubbery, or slimy; develop brown or dark spots; outer layers dry out and become brittle; visible mold growth; sour or musty odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for firm, pale green stalks. Avoid anything wilted, discolored, or moldy. Touch the stalk – it should feel rigid and firm, not soft or mushy. Smell for a strong, fresh, citrusy aroma; if it smells sour, musty, or 'off', it's bad.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, wrap whole stalks tightly in a damp paper towel, then place in a plastic bag or airtight container. Store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Avoid washing until just before use.
Raw in Fridge (cut or minced)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Cut pieces turn brown or dull; become mushy or slimy; lose their characteristic aroma; develop a sour or unpleasant smell; visible mold.
How to Check
Visually check for bright, vibrant pieces; discard if discolored, browning, or dull. Touch the pieces – they should still have some firmness, not be slimy or mushy. Smell for the typical fresh, bright lemongrass aroma; if it's diminished, sour, or unpleasant, it's past its prime.
Storage Tips
Store cut or minced lemongrass in an airtight container to prevent drying out and to contain its strong aroma. It's best to cut or mince just before use for maximum flavor and potency, as its volatile oils dissipate quickly once exposed to air.
Frozen (whole or prepped)6-8 months (can be longer, but quality may degrade)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive freezer burn (dry, discolored patches on the surface); dull or faded color; significant loss of aroma after thawing; development of 'freezer' odors. While generally safe past this period, quality (flavor and texture) will diminish.
How to Check
Visually inspect for minimal freezer burn or discoloration. After thawing (if applicable), check that the color is still relatively vibrant. Smell for a noticeable, even if muted, lemongrass aroma; if it smells like the freezer or has no aroma, the quality is compromised.
Storage Tips
For whole stalks: Trim ends, remove outer dry layers, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. For prepped lemongrass: Slice or mince, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer bag or container to prevent clumping. Alternatively, puree with a little oil or water and freeze in ice cube trays. Label with the date. Frozen lemongrass does not typically need to be thawed before adding to hot dishes.