Produce
How long does lemongrass last in the fridge?
Lemongrass keeps 7–9 days in the fridge — freeze the stalks whole for 6 months rather than let them dry to straw in the drawer.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 7–9 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 6 months |
Can it sit out?
Lemongrass is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if lemongrass has gone bad
- Stalks gone papery and oddly light in the hand
- Barely any lemon smell when you scratch the outer layer
- Brown, mushy bases
- Mold hiding in the tight inner layers
When in doubt, throw it out.
Bruise the stalk with the back of a knife before it goes into a broth — an unsmashed stalk gives up almost nothing.
Quick answers
How long does lemongrass last in the fridge?
Lemongrass keeps 7–9 days in the fridge — freeze the stalks whole for 6 months rather than let them dry to straw in the drawer.
Can you freeze lemongrass?
USDA’s freezer window for lemongrass is 6 months.
How long can lemongrass sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to lemongrass. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).