Lemon grass is used for multiple purposes. It is a lucrative crop.
Lemon grass provides many health benefits, including improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure. It reduces excess fats and cholesterol, aids in detoxification and boosts the immune system. It can improve the appearance of you skin, and help tone body tissues and muscles. Lemon grass oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Lemon grass is in demand all over the world for both non-food and food purposes, including the extraction of its oil. In Jamaica, lemon grass grows wild and is called fever grass.
Monetary Value
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, this is a good crop for a small farmer. Researchers have determined that where land is already owned, the farming of this aromatic crop can yield nearly four times the initial investment. Lemon grass is a low maintenance and lucrative crop.
No Waste
Lemon grass is cultivated primarily for the pleasant smell that it produces. It is native to the Philippines, where it is called "tanglad." Lemon grass is a perennial plant, and it can be used fresh, powdered or dry. The leaves of the lemon grass are the most important part of the plant. When the farmer processes lemon grass, it produces zero waste because the spent leaves are used for compost and animal feed.
Uses
Spent lemon grass leaves is used as fuel for distillation of the plant and is also suitable for making paper. The oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics and flavoring and sometimes in soaps and detergents. The leaves are used in curries, soups and teas and as seasoning in fish, seafood, meat and poultry. The oil from the lemon grass is used as both a preservative and a pesticide.
New Industry
In Jamaica, lemon grass is helping establish a blueprint for the creation of an extraction industry or one that produces nutraceuticals and essentials oils. It's easy to grow, hardy and versatile and has long been recognized for its calming and therapeutic properties.
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