Tea time? In the Galapagos? Indeed! In the middle of the green vegetation of the highlands of Santa Cruz and in view of several giant tortoises, our guests decided that it was time for tea. But not for just any tea. We had fresh lemon grass tea, from the plant shown in this picture. Lemon grass is an introduced species in Galapagos. People in the Islands love to drink it, as do those who live in mainland Ecuador. It belongs to the Gramineae Family and was introduced from Southern India and Sri Lanka. It is cultivated in Florida and all through South America, because it yields aromatic essential oils that are excellent for flavoring. The scientific name of this tasty plant is Cymbopogon citratus. We invite all of you to find this kind of grass, boil it in water and drink it with sugar. It is really delicious! It's even better when you are in the Galapagos Islands, surrounded by giant tortoises.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 13 Oct 1999
From the Polaris in the Galapagos, 10/13/1999, National Geographic Polaris
- Aboard the National Geographic Polaris
- Galápagos
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