Lance Carson
Pandan is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, where it is commonly used in cooking and natural remedies. The leaves of the plant are known for their subtle, sweet fragrance, which has been described as similar to vanilla. In addition to its culinary uses, pandan is also used as a natural insect repellent, air freshener, and food wrapping. Given its pleasant aroma, it is not surprising that pandan is used in perfumes. One example is Pandan by d.grayi, a fragrance for women and men with top notes of bread and coconut milk, middle notes of pandanus and sandalwood, and base notes of waffle, vanilla, and pine tree. For those who want to try making their own perfume, pandan fragrance oil can be purchased online and used to create a unique, personalised scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercially available perfumes | Pandan by d.grayi, Eau de Nyonya by Auphorie, Sunday by arielle shoshana, Voices by House of Mammoth |
| Top notes | Bread, Coconut Milk |
| Middle notes | Pandanus, Sandalwood |
| Base notes | Waffle, Vanilla, Pine Tree |
| Fragrance longevity | 2.74 out of 5 |
| Fragrance sillage | 1.68 out of 4 |
| Peranakan home fragrance | Shredded pandan mixed with rose petals, jasmine, and perfume oil |
| Health benefits | Relief for chest pains, cramps, spasms, headaches, lower blood pressure, dandruff, skin fungus, arthritis, some forms of cancer |
| Insect repellent | Cockroaches |
| Natural food colouring | Yes |
| Natural flavouring | Yes |
| Air freshener | Yes |
| Food wrapping | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Pandan leaf extraction
Pandan leaf extract is a common ingredient in Indonesian and Southeast Asian cooking, particularly in desserts. The extract is used to pack the flavour and colour of pandan leaves without the leafy pulp. The leaves themselves are used in cooking as a fragrance enhancer, and can be used whole in dishes such as coconut rice.
To make pandan leaf extract, you will need fresh or frozen pandan leaves, and water. First, choose mature pandan leaves, which are usually darker green in colour. Wash the leaves with clean water to remove any dirt, then cut them into 1-inch pieces with scissors. Pandan leaves are fibrous, so they need to be broken down before blending. Next, put the leaves in a blender with water and blend. Then, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or a fine strainer, and squeeze out the juice. Transfer the juice to a glass jar.
To turn the juice into an extract, leave it in the refrigerator for 18-20 hours. The green sediment will sink to the bottom of the jar, and the water on top can be discarded. The sediment is the chlorophyll that gives pandan leaves their colour, and it is now pandan extract. The extract should be stored in the refrigerator and used within one week.
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Blending with other fragrances
The scent of pandan is often described as grassy, floral, and creamy, with notes of vanilla, pine, and coconut. When blending pandan with other fragrances, consider the following combinations:
- Floral and Fruity Scents: Pandan's floral and grassy notes can be enhanced by blending it with other floral fragrances such as jasmine, rose, and orchid. For a fruity twist, add a hint of mango or citrus. This combination creates a fresh and vibrant fragrance that evokes the scent of a tropical garden.
- Woodsy and Earthy Scents: The green and woody aspects of pandan can be emphasised by blending it with earthy fragrances such as vetiver, moss, and patchouli. A touch of sandalwood or cedarwood adds depth and warmth to the blend, resulting in a sophisticated and grounding aroma.
- Sweet and Savoury Scents: Pandan's unique sweet-savoury character can be played up by combining it with other gourmand fragrances. Notes of vanilla, coconut milk, and waffle cone create a cosy and indulgent scent. A hint of spice, such as cardamom or cinnamon, adds an unexpected twist to this blend, making it both intriguing and comforting.
- Fresh and Aquatic Scents: For a refreshing take on pandan, blend it with aquatic notes such as sea salt, ozone, and water lily. A touch of green tea or bamboo adds to the fresh and invigorating character of this combination. This blend captures the essence of a serene waterfall or a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery.
- Oriental and Spicy Scents: Pandan's exotic nature can be accentuated by pairing it with oriental and spicy fragrances. Notes of cinnamon, clove, and amber create a warm and inviting scent. A hint of musk or myrrh adds depth and sensuality to this blend, resulting in a mysterious and enchanting fragrance.
When blending pandan with other fragrances, it is important to consider the balance of notes and the overall scent profile you wish to achieve. Start with small quantities and adjust the proportions until you find the perfect harmony of fragrances.
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Health and wellness benefits
While pandan is commonly used in South and Southeast Asian cuisines, it is also valued for its health and wellness benefits. Here are some of the advantages of using pandan:
Aromatherapy and Relaxation: Pandan leaves contain alkaloid compounds, such as 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which are known to have a calming effect on the body. In traditional medicine, pandan has been used for joint pain relief and blood sugar management. Its aroma is believed to promote relaxation, and it has even been used in aromatherapy to reduce dental anxiety in pediatric patients.
Nutrition and Gut Health: Raw pandan fruit is a good source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining optimal gut health. The fruit is also lower in calories than some other options. When boiled, pandan fruit turns into a paste that is rich in provitamin A and iron, providing additional nutritional benefits.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: In Ayurvedic medicine, coconut oil infused with pandan leaves is applied topically to alleviate arthritis aches. The oil derived from pandan leaves is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its effectiveness in reducing joint pain and inflammation.
Culinary Enhancements: While not directly a health benefit, pandan's versatility in the kitchen can indirectly promote wellness. It is often used in curry pastes, adding complexity and a unique flavor profile. It can also be brewed into a tea, providing a toasty, sweet warmth that counters bright, tart citrus flavors.
It is important to note that pandan has not been extensively studied, and many of its health benefits are based on traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence. As such, it is always advisable to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new substances into your wellness routine, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications.
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Pandan in cooking
Pandan leaves are used in cooking and have been described as the "vanilla of Southeast Asian cooking" or the "vanilla of Asia" due to their ubiquity in desserts. However, despite this comparison, the fragrance of pandan is not sweet.
In Penang, pandan is used in many dishes. In a cooking class, students learn to use pandan in curry pastes, sticky rice and mango, and tea made with pandan leaves and lemongrass. The pandan leaf is said to balance the bright tart citrus flavour of lemongrass with a toasty, sweet warmth.
In Thailand, pandan has been used in cooking since the Ayutthaya era. A common practice is to tie a pandan leaf into a knot and throw it into a rice cooker to give the rice grains a subtle, sweet aroma.
Pandan leaves are also used in traditional Thai medicine. The roots and leaves are boiled to make tea, which can provide relief from chest pains, cramps, spasms, headaches, or high blood pressure. The dried, crushed leaves can also be made into a paste and massaged onto the scalp to treat dandruff. Pandan leaves are also used as a natural insect repellent in Thailand, as the fragrance particles can clog the skin of roaches, suffocating them.
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Where to buy pandan
Pandan leaves can be purchased online from Amazon.com. The website offers a range of options, including fresh pandan leaves in 7 oz packages, dried pandan leaves, and pandan extract liquid concentrate.
Fresh pandan leaves are available from sellers such as Revstar Direct and FreshDrinkUS, while dried pandan leaves can be purchased from brands like Lanka Flavors and SALINRAAT. The dried variety is often used for tea, desserts, cooking, and baking. The liquid concentrate is also suitable for bakery and beverage applications.
When purchasing fresh pandan leaves, some customers have noted that quick shipping is important to ensure the leaves remain fresh upon arrival. One customer mentioned that they received their order in an air-sealed bag, which helped keep the leaves fresh.
Amazon offers a variety of pandan products to meet different needs, whether you're looking for fresh or dried leaves, or extracts for culinary and beverage purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of making pandan perfume involves extracting and crushing the leaves to release the scent. The crushed leaves can be mixed with other ingredients such as rose petals, jasmine, and perfume oil to create a fragrance.
The top notes of pandan perfume are typically bread and coconut milk, with middle notes of pandanus and sandalwood. The base notes include waffle, vanilla, and pine tree.
Pandan leaves have a subtle, soothing aroma and are easily accessible. They are also known to have health benefits, such as providing relief for chest pains, cramps, and headaches.
Some variations of pandan perfume include Sunday by Arielle Shoshana, Voices by House of Mammoth, and Pandan by d.grayi. These perfumes may include additional notes such as mango, sticky rice, and pine.
Pandan perfume can be purchased from various online retailers, including Etsy, which offers a selection of unique and custom fragrances. It may also be available at specialty fragrance shops or perfume boutiques.
