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When it comes to adding a touch of exotic flavour and aroma to your culinary creations, pandan is the herb you've been searching for.  Known as the "vanilla of South East Asia," this fragrant plant is a culinary treasure that can elevate your dishes to new heights.

What is Pandan?

Pandan, is a tropical plant native to South East Asia but also grown in Australia. Its distinctive long, slender leaves are the star of the show when it comes to culinary applications. Pandan leaves are known for their vibrant green colour and a unique, sweet, and fragrant aroma. It's a staple in many South East Asian cuisines, often likened to the role that vanilla plays in Western cooking.

Uses of Pandan

Flavouring: The primary use of pandan is as a natural flavouring agent. The leaves are often used to infuse a delightful sweet, floral, and nutty flavour into dishes. Common uses include adding pandan to rice, desserts, and beverages.

Desserts: Pandan is especially popular in sweet treats. It can be used to flavour custards, puddings, cakes, and a variety of traditional South East Asian desserts like pandan cake and pandan waffles.

Savory Dishes: While pandan is predominantly used in desserts, it can also be added to savory dishes like rice, curries, and chicken dishes to impart a unique flavour and aroma.

Beverages: Pandan leaves can be used to make pandan tea, a refreshing and aromatic drink. It can also be incorporated into smoothies, cocktails, or even infused in water for a subtle and delightful flavour.

Colouring: Apart from its flavour, pandan is often used to add a natural green hue to dishes without resorting to artificial food colouring.

Storage Tips

To make the most of your pandan leaves, it's crucial to know how to store them properly:

Fresh Leaves: If you have fresh pandan leaves, store them in the refrigerator. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in an airtight container or a plastic bag. They can stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Frozen Leaves: To extend their shelf life, you can also freeze pandan leaves. Chop or blend the leaves into a paste and store it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Frozen pandan can be used for months, allowing you to enjoy the flavour year-round.

Release the Flavouring 

Tear the leaves to enhance the aroma during cooking. Typically, tie the leaves into a knot for easier handling, especially when working with shorter lengths. When you have multiple leaves, gather them together and create a single, large knot for convenience.

At Fruitezy, we understand the importance of quality and authenticity when it comes to ingredients like pandan. That's why we offer the freshest pandan leaves to cater to your culinary needs. Our customers can find pandan in our stores or conveniently order it online for delivery to their doorstep.