What are the differences between Lemongrass Tea and Lemon Tea?
Lemongrass tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the lemongrass plant and tastes lemony and clean. Lemon tea usually means black or green tea with lemon juice or lemon flavor, so it normally contains caffeine. Lemongrass and lemon are not botanically related.
Free download
Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF): How long coffee beans, ground coffee, tea, cocoa and creamers last. 11 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What is the difference?
Lemongrass tea is a herbal infusion, or tisane, made from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon citratus). It is not a true tea, because it does not come from the tea plant. Lemon tea is a looser name. Most often it means black or green tea served with lemon juice or flavored with lemon, though some products are herbal blends labeled lemon tea.
| Lemongrass tea | Lemon tea | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Lemongrass only (or herbal blend) | Usually black or green tea; sometimes herbal |
| Lemon source | Natural citrusy aroma of the grass | Lemon juice, peel or flavoring |
| Caffeine | None | Yes if tea-based |
| Taste | Bright, citrusy, gently sweet, clean finish | Tangy and tart, with tea character |
How to brew lemongrass tea
One brand suggests 1.5 g of dried leaf, or one teabag, per 200 ml of freshly boiled water, steeped for about 4 minutes. Herbal infusions usually benefit from hot water and a longer steep than green or white tea. You can also simmer a bruised fresh stalk in water. It is good hot or iced.
How to make lemon tea
Brew black or green tea as usual, then add a squeeze of lemon, and honey or sugar if you like. Add lemon after steeping. Lemon juice is acidic, so people with reflux or sensitive teeth may prefer it diluted.
Is lemongrass the same as lemon balm?
No. Lemon balm is a different, milder, leafy herb with a soft lemony tang. Lemongrass has a stronger lemon flavor.
How to be sure a tea is caffeine-free
- Read the ingredients: tea, black tea or green tea means caffeine.
- Look for the words caffeine-free or herbal on the box.
- If it says lemon tea with no detail, assume it has caffeine until you check.
If you are pregnant, taking medicine or have a health condition, ask your doctor before drinking herbal teas regularly. This is general information, not medical advice.
People also ask
Does lemongrass tea have caffeine?
No. It is an herbal infusion and naturally caffeine-free.
Is lemon tea caffeine-free?
Only if the base is herbal. If it is made from black or green tea, it contains caffeine.
Are lemongrass and lemon the same?
No. They are unrelated plants with a similar citrus note.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
