Chile Forum

direct wrote:

Donnybrook wrote:What you can find in La Vega - the huge produce market in Santiago across the river from the Mercado Central - is hierba luisa. It has made its appearance due to the many Peruvian residents here, as in Perú it is very popular for making a herbal tea. I am not familiar with lemongrass, so I don't know if it is the same thing. This link seems to think it is:
http://www.kimmykokonut.com/2007/10/17/ ... e-a-grass/
I think it must be at least related.
While I am at it:
http://www.lavega.cl/sitio/index.php

Thanks Donnybrook. I had been told about Hierba Luisa before now but again there is some confusion. They are very similar but I 'think' that Hierba Luisa is what Australians would know as Lemon Verbena or Citronella.... Great plant for keeping the mossies at bay in the summer. Often viewed as Lemongrass but not quite the same. However, your link to La Vega looks like a great place to start when I am FORCED to go to Santiago. Thank you so much for your help. Very much appreciated

La Vega is a great place to wander around. I especially like the row of Peruvian stalls as I can get a lot of familiar ingredients. If you want some cheap eats, go to the newly built market - Tirso de Molina - just by it. On the second floor are a whole lot of 'cocinerías' (sort of combo food stall/restaurant). Basic, cheap, good.

I am glad you have to force yourself to come to Santiago as that means you are happy where you are. We lived in Viña for 5 years and I thought I would never get out. I don't handle small places well. I used to come to Santiago once a month just to be somewhere where no one knew me! That was 15 years ago and I still love it in Santiago.

I'm almost positive that the "Boost" juice and smoothie chain offers a shot of lemongrass by itself or added to your drink. Or... upon research it's WHEATgrass. So close, yet so far..