Vetiver

Latin name: Chrysopogon zizanioides

Other names: Khus

Uses: elixirs, oils, beverages, sorbets, fragrances

What is vetiver?

Vetiver is the name of the aromatic perennial grass native to India, but its hardy roots go around the world. The distilled oil from the roots is used in healing herbal teas, and decoctions across Europe and America. The tall grass has small brown flowers, but it is the aromatic roots, which can grow more than 10 feet down into the soil, that are prized for their healing and fragrant properties. Vetiver belongs to the Poaceae family, similar to citronella and lemongrass, which are also grasses that are extracted for their essential oils.

Why is vetiver healthy?

Vetiver has a long history of use, particularly in Siddha medicine and Ayurveda, for several health benefits. Vetiver is added to drinking water in hot Indian summers for its coolant properties. Village herbalists use it as a natural remedy for alleviating stress, anxiety, and to improve sleep and for snoring and insomnia though scientific studies are needed. In addition to food and drink, vetiver is also used in other traditional applications such as natural skin care products for its soothing properties.

What does vetiver taste like?

Vetiver has a distinctive, earthy, and slightly sweet taste, with a grassy, woody aroma.

How do I use vetiver and what do I pair it with?

Vetiver is used in herbal teas and to flavor food and drink, and for making natural fragrant syrups and sweeteners. Vetiver essence or syrup is added to cold drinks, made into ice pops and consumed as a sorbet with lime juice. Modern mixologists use its essence to add depth and complexity to cocktails (hello, khus lemon mojito), as well as to add flavor to savory dishes such as stews and sauces.

Where does vetiver grow?

Vetiver grows well in dry conditions and is cultivated in tropical places like Indonesia and Haiti besides India. Vetiver grows tall in tufts to about 5 feet in height. In the US, a type of vetiver grass, that is commercially cultivated for making insect repellent is called Sunshine, named after the region in Louisiana where it was first grown.

Fun vetiver fact:

The American fashion designer Tom Ford’s Grey Vetiver is a men’s fragrance that features vetiver as a key ingredient. It purportedly “captures the essence of debonair, charismatic and provocative masculinity.”