The diference between Citronella esential oil and Lemongrass essential oil

In Vietnam, Lemongrass and Citronella Grass belong to the same genus Cymbopogon, however these are two different varieties of Cymbopogon in both shape and application. Join VIPSEN to find the differences between these two types of plants as well as the essential oils extracted from them.

1. Natural Features

1.1 Citronella grass.

The scientific name is Cymbopogon Winterianus, first found on the island of Java in Indonesia. Citronella grass is also known as “sa do” or “sa xoe” in Vietnam.

Citronella grass is a perennial herbaceous plant. Usually grows in bushes, with many branches, average height from 1 – 1.5m.

The stem is usually light purple, the leaves are light green, long, with rough edges, and the leaf covers are often white and wide. Buds often grow from leaf axils. Small white flowers, growing in clusters.

Citronella grass has a bitter taste so it is not used as a spice in food but is mainly grown to produce essential oils.

1.2 Lemongrass

Lemongrass has the scientific name Cymbopogon flexuosus. Lemongrass is widely grown in Vietnam, especially in the Southeast, Central Highlands and some Northern regions.

Lemongrass is a tropical herb that grows 1-2 meters in length, and can grow up to 3 meters in suitable condition.

The lemongrass stem is red, leaves and branches of this herb contain essential oils, which are effective in repelling insects. The strongest growth time for lemongrass is in the summer in moist, nutrient-rich soil.

Each lemongrass stalk has many layers, each layer grows tightly around its core. The top layers are green like the outer layer of a seashell. When peeling off the cover, can see the familiar white inner core of the lemongrass stem, which is the best place to cook.

Lemongrass is an indispensable spice in Vietnamese family dishes. The scent of lemongrass is fragrant, increases appeal and does not have a bitter taste mixed into food like Citronella grass.

1.3 Harvesting and processing

Citronella grass takes only 3 months from planting to harvest and can be harvested for 5-7 years. The plant gives good harvests from the 2nd year onwards, harvested 5-6 times a year, each time 40-50 days apart.

Lemongrass has the advantage of being easier to grow than Citronella grass. From planting to harvest is 4-6 months and continuous harvest is about 40-50 days apart.

For lemongrass and citronella grass, both can be harvested at any time when the stem is 1.3 cm in diameter. Harvest the stem by cutting the stem about 8-10cm above the ground with a sharp knife, or harvest by bending and twisting the stem.

2. The difference between Citronella essential oil and lemongrass essential oil

2.1 Sensory.

Citronella essential oil: light yellow color, strong aroma typical of citronella grass.

Lemongrass essential oil: light yellow, fragrant with lemon scent

2.2 Chemical composition

Java lemongrass: main constituent is Citronellal (31-39%), geraniol (19–25%) and geranyl acetate (2–5%)

Lemongrass: main constituent is Citral (70 – 85%, including α-Citral and β-Citral)

2.3 Application

Citronella essential oil: has a strong aroma, so this essential oil is mainly used in the production of detergents, air purifiers and insect repellents. Pure Citronella has many uses in antibacterial, stress reduction, inflammation reduction, odor removal… Especially used in the perfume industry.

Lemongrass essential oil has a gentler scent. It is used more in products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, soap, dishwashing liquid, insect repellant… Citral compound is used to synthesize vitamin A, ionone and methylionone. Besides, Citral is used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages or a natural preservative thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

3. Lemongrass and citronella essential oils are produced at VIPSEN essential oil factory.

VIPSEN is one of the leading researchers and producers of natural essential oils in Vietnam. Essential oil products are produced using advanced methods, achieving high quality with 100% natural ingredients, without additives or mixtures.

Lemongrass essential oil and Citronella essential oil products are produced by VIPSEN from selected raw materials, grown in famous and sustainable growing areas in Vietnam such as Lai Chau, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa… The production process from planting and harvesting raw materials to producing and preserving finished products is always closely monitored by a team of experienced experts and technicians. VIPSEN’s lemongrass and Citronella essential oil products are not only popular in Vietnam but are also exported to many countries around the world.

For further information, please contact:

Phone number/Whatsapp/Zalo/Wechat: +84 868 855 086

Email: Export@Vipsen.vn

Address: D7-TT9, Forosa street, Xuan Phuong new urban area, Xuan Phuong, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi

Factory address: Bai Dai, Tien Xuan, Thach That, Hanoi.