Lemongrass

Lemongrass

Essential in Thai cooking, studies suggest that lemongrass can have anti-inflammatory powers that reduce swelling and help with fluid balance in the body (at least in rats) [8]. Lemongrass is used to season dishes from pad thai to curry. When cooking with the stalks, make sure to remove and discard off the bulb (the rounded white part at the bottom) and remove the tough, outer leaves.
Taste: zesty, slightly spicy, lemon flavor
Perfect For: Curry, Asian soups, scented rice, marinades
Greatist Recipe Pick: Use three stalks of fresh lemongrass in this ginger chicken dish.