Introduction

When it comes to exotic flavours and unique ingredients, pandan has emerged as a rising star in the culinary world and the food & beverage industry. But what exactly is pandan and what does it taste like? 

In this blog post, we will explore the origin and traditional use of pandan, its unique flavour profile, and the best ways to pair it. 

We have gathered all this information so that you can develop distinctive FMCG food and beverage products that stand out from the competition, and attract and retain adventurous consumers, especially from the Gen Z demographic.

What is Pandan and where does it come from?

Pandan, also known as screwpine or the "fragrant plant", is an abundant tropical plant found in Southeast Asia.

Despite looking like a weed or grass, its long, deep-green leaves are used in many recipes for their green colour and fragrant aroma.

While it exists multiple species of pandan, only a few actually possessed these characteristic aromas. Certain varieties in India and the Philippines even have edible fruits that look like reddish pinecones.

Pandan is a widely used ingredient in various South and Southeast Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In certain regions, the fresh pandan leaves are tied into a knot and added to the rice or curry pot, with other spices. They are also used to wrap meats for steaming or frying, such as the traditional pandan chicken.

Pandan leaves are available in different forms such as dried, powdered or as a liquid flavouring, all of which are also used in desserts like the traditional coconut milk pudding, chiffon pandan cake, and pandan pancakes.

Pandan Flavour profile

I have made pandan juice by chopping and blending the leaves in a food processor with a bit of water and sieving the juice.

I then used the juice to make pandan rice and Nam BaiToey (“baiytoy”), also known as Pandan Water which is made by boiling the fresh pandan leaves in water with sugar and serve with ice.

In terms of flavours, the different pandan leaves I have tried were almondy, vanillic, caramelic, creamy, umami and slightly grassy and floral.

Market Products tried:

❇️ Fresh Pandan Leaves (Greenleon)

❇️ Fresh Pandan Leaves (Thai Food Online)

❇️ Dried Pandan leaves (JSHARA)

Pandan flavour pairing and use

With its unique flavours profile pandan can be paired with:

To ease acceptance with consumers, pair this trendy and exotic flavour with a well-known and beloved flavour like hazelnut, lemon, or ginger.

Conclusion

An exotic flavour, with its green colour like pandan, may initially seem overwhelming. However, it actually has a mellow almond and vanilla flavour profile that can easily complement well-known flavours and enhance your research and development.

As a startup founder or CEO, incorporating this trendy flavour into your next product development can help you stand out from the crowd and offer consumers something truly unique.

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Resources

Thai food online, A Quick Guide to Pandan Leaves, https://www.thai-food-online.co.uk/blogs/thai-food-online-blog/pandan-leaves-guide?_pos=6&_sid=229404280&_ss=r

What to cook today, How To Make Soft and Fluffy Pandan Chiffon Cake (Complete Guide), https://whattocooktoday.com/pandan-chiffon-cake.html 

Healthline, What Is Pandan? Benefits, Uses, Taste, and Substitutes, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pandan 

Food & Wine, A Guide to Cooking With Pandan, the Beloved Southeast Asian Ingredient, https://www.foodandwine.com/what-is-pandan-8598196

BBC good food, glossary, pandan https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/pandan-glossary 

Authentic Thai Recipe for Pandan Iced Tea •Pandan Drink •Nam Bai Toey, ThaiChef Food, https://cookpad.com/uk/recipes/15120791-authentic-thai-recipe-for-pandan-iced-tea-pandan-drink-nam-bai-toey-thaichef-food 

Eater, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pandan, https://www.eater.com/23613557/pandan-filipino-desserts-flavor-leaves