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Gunther Heller

Can You Freeze Lemongrass?

Source: USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS · last verified November 2026

Illustration of lemongrass
In the freezer
6 months
Yes — freezes well

Quality holds for about 6 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.

Quick answer

Yes: lemongrass keeps 6 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 7–9 days in the fridge.

How to freeze lemongrass

  1. Leafy greens and herbs lose their crunch when frozen.
  2. For cooking, blanch greens or chop herbs into ice-cube trays with oil or water.
  3. Add straight from frozen to soups, sauces and stir-fries.

How to thaw lemongrass

In the fridge

Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.

At room temperature

Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.

From frozen

Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.

Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 6 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.

Freezer vs fridge vs counter

Lemongrass Per USDA FoodKeeper
Counter
Not recommended
keep it cold
Fridge
7–9 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
Freezer
6 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety

More about lemongrass

More “can you freeze it?” answers, A–Z →

FAQ

How long can you freeze lemongrass?
About 6 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen lemongrass?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze lemongrass?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in lemongrass?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number