ETHNIC HERBS

Originating in Sri Lanka and India, lemon grass is used throughout Asia. Vietnamese immigrants brought it to America. This herb is also known as fever grass, oil grass, and serch. It is used in stir-fries, noodles, curries, and rice dishes. With this herb you can enjoy the lemony flavor without the tartness of lemons.

The bulbous base of the leaf is most often used in cooking, since it is the most tender. The tough portions of the leaves are used for tea, and in baths and medicinal preparations.

Lemon grass can be harvested any time during the growing season by trimming a section of the leaf from the base of the plant.

In warmer areas of the U.S., lemon grass can be grown as a perennial. Gardeners in other areas will have to overwinter it indoors.

Folks from India have made considerable contributions to American cuisine. The East Indian basil is one of the best examples. In tropical areas where it is also known as tree basil, this grows as a bushy shrub. Hardy to zone 10, it is grown as a tender container plant elsewhere. That way it can be brought indoors for the winter months. East Indian basil is reminiscent of cloves. Use it as you would any other basil.

Houttuynia is another herb that has been introduced to America by Asian immigrants. Native from the Himalayan Mountains to eastern Asia, Japan, and Taiwan, it occurs at the high elevations of the tropics as far south as Java.

Houttuynia leaves are added to salads, fish stews, and egg dishes.

There is a variegated form with vivid red and white streaks. Though this plant is hardy to zone 5, I keep mine in a pot. Otherwise it can become invasive. I've seen gardens overrun by this plant. It is even resistant to some herbicides.

The Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in America. Thanks to these folks, we now enjoy various herbs, such as epazote. Native to tropical America, epazote is very popular in Mexican dishes, such as beans, tamales, corn, seafood, and salsa. This herb is excellent when dried. Use in moderation. Experts say it contains a toxic oil. When harvesting, I wear protective gloves. It can cause dermatitis.

Epazote is easy to grow. This annual will self-sow very easily, thus you'll only need to plant it once. Give it plenty of space. Otherwise it might overcrowd its neighbors.

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