A tropical herb with culinary properties, lemongrass consists of long thick stalks of grass that produce an essential oil with an odour similar to that of lemon which is where its name is derived from. Lemongrass harmonizes meat and savoury dishes making it one of the most widely used herbs in Sri Lankan cooking where its lower bulbous portions are used, pounded or cut into slices.

In addition to cooking Lemongrass also acts as a diuretic, tonic or stimulant and exhibits various other medicinal properties, and is even utilized as an insect repellant making it one of the most versatile herbs grown in Sri Lanka.