Lemongrass
Lemongrass is one of the most essential and aromatic herbs in Southeast Asian cooking — the tall, graceful stalks release an intensely bright, clean lemon fragrance when cut, and the complex citrusy-herbal flavor is absolutely irreplaceable in Thai curries, Vietnamese pho, Indonesian satay, and countless other dishes. Surprisingly easy to grow in containers or in-ground in warm climates, homegrown lemongrass delivers an intensity of aroma and flavor that dried or packaged versions cannot come close to matching.