Lemon verbena and lemongrass are different plants, even though both are used for citrus-like infusions. Neither name means the drink contains lemon juice, and similar descriptions on a packet do not make the ingredients interchangeable.
Read beyond the word lemon
Lemon verbena is a leafy herb, while lemongrass is a grass. They have different botanical identities and can be sold in different forms. The full ingredient list is the easiest way to establish whether you have a single ingredient or a blend.
A product labelled lemon tea might contain actual lemon, flavouring, another citrus-scented plant or a combination. Check rather than assuming the front-of-pack name tells the complete story.
What might they taste like?
Lemon verbena is often described as fragrant and lemon-like, while lemongrass can have a grassy, citrus-like character. Those descriptions are starting points, not a guarantee that every packet or preparation tastes the same.
The cut of the ingredient, freshness and brewing directions affect the finished drink. Compare named products prepared properly rather than trying to force both into one guessed method.
Choosing one for the kitchen
If a recipe calls for lemongrass tea, changing to lemon verbena creates a variation, not an exact replacement. Try a small quantity first, especially where the tea flavours milk, icing or fruit.
For drinking, taste plain before adding lemon or sweetener. That lets you notice the ingredient itself rather than the additions. K&M's lemongrass range offers one place to begin; this comparison does not imply that every ingredient discussed is stocked in our shop.
Keep the packet name in your tasting notes so a favourite cup is easy to identify and buy again.
Related reading: Caribbean Bay Leaf Tea vs Lemongrass Tea: Comparing Two Flavours.
Explore our free Herbal Tea Wellness Guide for more about K&M Herbs. For a product question, contact us.