Lemongrass (Mchaichai)
Tall, tough blades of a citrus-scented grass, grown in gardens and plantations across the island and bundled fresh in markets.
HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Long pale-green stalks with bulbous white bases. Bend a stalk: it should be moist inside and smell strongly of lemon with a floral lift. Mchaichai tea is simply bruised stalks steeped in hot water.
CULTURE & KITCHEN
The island's favorite caffeine-free tea, served hot with honey or over ice. Every spice tour ends with a glass - and almost every guest tries to smuggle a bundle home.