Tanglad is Lemongrass

Did you land here via a google search for tanglad? If you did, kamusta! You’re obviously Filipino too, since you used “tanglad” as the search term, rather than “lemongrass.” And welcome to this blog!

When I named myself and this blog after my favorite herb, I didn’t realize that a number of you would be directed here via google. And yes, that’s not tanglad pictured on my header. That’s the wild plants that grow on the trail where I run, in case you’re curious. I don’t know their name. Can anyone help me out?

I figure some of you might be curious about my nom de blog. So I thought I’d share some tanglad stories. I grew up in Manila, so I never really got to taste tanglad until I moved to the US and discovered Thai food. But then, I realized that I actually met tanglad before.

This herb grew wildly on the dust paths outside my lola’s home in Mindoro. To people in my lola’s hometown, tanglad was a weed. Lola would get upset when a shoot of tanglad would spring up in her garden. If you don’t nip it in the bud, lola said, the tanglad would take over and choke the gumamela and santan.

Though vilified as a weed, this plant has numerous medicinal benefits. It makes a refreshing, lemony iced tea. Tanglad is also really easy to grow. It imparts a spicy citrusy fragrance. So much return, from such a low-key plant. That’s an herb you gotta respect.

I have a patch growing near the wall of my yard. We’re in zone 10, for those of you interested in trying to grow this wonderful herb. It practically takes care of itself (You hear that, you high maintenance princessy roses? There’s a thing or two you can learn from the tanglad)

Tanglad is a survivor. It’s a plant that takes root. Those are qualities that resonate strongly with me.

Kabayan, while you’re here, check out the other posts. I blog a lot about the Philippines, so feel free to join the conversation. Salamat for your visit!