When you came across a pandan plant, you will then notice it because of its distinctive smell. Pandan leaves, scientifically known as Pandanus amaryllifolius, are produced by a tropical herbaceous plant that is uncommon in the wild but frequently grown. Pandan leaves are the only species of Pandanus with fragrant leaves; they are frequently used to flavor meat, rice, curries, and various desserts. Pandan leaves are also known as Screwpine in English. It is frequently used in Southeast Asian and South Asian dishes to add flavor.
The medium to large pandan leaves has an elongated, thin, and oblong form. There are two distinct morphologies for pandan plants. The plant will grow into a tiny tree with big, long, and thin green leaves that can measure up to two meters in length if it is not disturbed and the leaves are not removed. The plant will remain low to the ground, forming the appearance of a shrub, with smaller, narrower, green leaves developing up to one meter in length if the leaves are continually picked. When Pandan leaves are linked to their stems, they resemble the top of a pineapple plant because of their erect, green leaves that taper to a point at the tip. When crushed, pandan leaves release an exceptional and distinctive grassy perfume that gradually mellows out to a delicate, herbal, and flowery scent. Pandan leaves have a flavor that is nutty, almond-like, rose-like, and just a little bit sweet when cooked.
There are more than 600 species, however not all of their leaves are edible; it depends on the subtype. All of them can be cooked into rice dishes for flavor or utilized in extracts or infusions.
The leaves are frequently used to flavor and wrap foods, boil them, or juice them. Typically, pandan leaves are ground into an emerald-green extract. The color and flavor of a leaf increase in intensity as it ages. Additionally, savory and sweet meals can be flavoured with pandan leaf powder. It is said to have a grassy vanilla flavor with a tinge of coconut. Pandan can be purchased frozen, as powder, or as an extract.
Probable benefits of pandan for health. Might lessen arthritis pain - Applying coconut oil topically to ease arthritic pain is a common practice in Ayurvedic medicine. The oil present in its leaves, which may have anti-inflammatory properties, is thought to be the source of its effects; may aid in blood sugar control – leaves used as tea; may improve dental health; might help prevent heart disease; The dried, crushed leaves of pandan are frequently applied topically to heal minor burns, sunburns, and other skin issues. Preliminary research indicates that the tannic acids in pandan have quick cooling action for mild burns, while more research is required. Many of the health advantages of pandanus are anecdotal because they have not been fully investigated. Blood sugar control and joint pain treatment are two of its traditional uses.
Vitamins and antioxidants included in pandan are thought to strengthen the immune system and fend off diseases including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Pandan contains a variety of vitamins and antioxidants, such as: Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, Riboflavin, and Thiamine. In addition, pandan has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat boils, cold and flu-like symptoms, and constipation. One or two portable bunches of pandan leaves should be more than enough because of the flavor's intensity. Remember that fresh leaves smell significantly stronger than frozen or dry leaves.
So, grow some pandan plants now in a pot or at your garden. Then relish and reap its benefits and uses.
AA I Floricel N. Denpol, RND
References
What Is Pandan? Benefits, Uses, Taste, and Substitutes
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pandan
Pandan Leaves
https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Pandan_Leaves_11164.php
Health Benefits of Pandan
