Pandan paste

Types of Pandan Paste

Pandan paste is derived from the leaves of the pandan plant, native to tropical regions. It is a fragrant plant used to prepare food from its leaves, extracts, or paste.

Pandan leaves are green, strap-like leaves, finely crushed to produce a vibrant green, highly aromatic pandan paste that has a sweet, grassy, and slightly floral aroma. Though the preparation methods may vary, there are distinct types of pandan paste.

• Natural Pandan Paste

  Natural pandan paste is prepared by crushing fresh pandan leaves to extract the juice, which is then concentrated. This type of paste into a vivid green color with a potent aroma and flavor. Natural pandan paste is commonly used in traditional recipes and is favored for its fresh, strong scent and taste. Fresh pandan leaves are predominantly used in Asian cuisine, and the leaves must be crushed and blended to extract the liquid, which is the pure pandan extract.

• Synthetic or Flavored Pandan Paste

  Unlike the natural version, synthetic pandan paste is commercially produced using artificial flavoring and coloring to mimic the scent and taste of pandan leaves. This is cheaper and easy to access, commonly available in supermarkets, particularly outside regions where pandan grows naturally. While this is more affordable, the flavor is less robust than fresh pandan.

• Dried Pandan Powder

  Pandan leaves can also be dried and ground into a fine powder. This form of pandan is less concentrated but has a longer shelf life. Users rehydrate the powder by mixing it with water to use it in recipes. Dried pandan powder is useful for those who don't have access to fresh leaves but still want to use pandan in their cooking.

Uses of Pandan Paste

Pandan paste is a highly valued ingredient used primarily in Asian cuisines.

• Flavoring

  Pandan paste is used to impart a unique, sweet, and floral flavor to dishes, especially in desserts. In Thailand, it's used in sticky rice, while in the Philippines, it's added to rice cakes and other merienda (snack) treats. The intense flavor of pandan can elevate the taste profile of any dish, making it more aromatic and delightful.

• Coloring

  Pandan paste is bright green in color, so it naturally adds a vibrant hue to dishes, particularly baked goods and desserts. This is especially common in pandan cake, where the batter is colored green, giving the cake a visually appealing look. The use of pandan paste in pandan custard also gives custards a more alluring green color. This makes them more aesthetic and appealing to kids and adults.

• Fragrance

  Pandan, often referred to as the vanilla of Asian countries, is used to perfume dishes, so they have a delicious, tempting aroma. Its floral scent is highly preferred in sweets like pandan flan, pandan cake, and other rice desserts, making them much more appetizing. The aromatic quality of pandan makes it a highly coveted ingredient in various culinary preparations.

• Culinary Applications

  Pandan paste is popularly used all across Southeast Asia in a variety of sweets, desserts, and baked goods from rice cakes, puddings, and custards to ice creams and mochi. It is also added to beverages such as teas, juices, and sweetened milk to give them a distinctive, refreshing taste. Moreover, pandan flavoring can be found in savory dishes, too, though less commonly, like marinated meats and rice.

• Traditional Medicine

  In many cultures, pandan leaves and their extracts, including pandan paste, have medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, it is believed to help in digestion, reduce inflammation, and act as an antioxidant. Thus, pandan is not only consumed for its flavor and fragrance but also for its health benefits, which add functional value to certain drinks and herbal mixtures.

Benefits of Pandan Paste

Pandan leaf paste has numerous benefits, ranging from culinary to medicinal applications and even cosmetics.

• Aromatic and Flavorful

  Pandan paste is highly aromatic with a sweet, grassy, and slightly floral scent and flavor. This makes it an ideal ingredient for flavoring and perfuming dishes. Its unique scent is comparable to vanilla and is often used in desserts across Southeast Asia.

• Nutrient-Rich

  Pandan leaf paste is highly rich in dietary fiber, essential vitamins like A and C, and minerals such as iron and calcium. These nutrients contribute to overall health by supporting the immune system, skin health, and digestion. Moreover, pandan leaves contain natural antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and may improve health defenses.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties

  Pandan is known to have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts of pandan leaves help reduce inflammation throughout the body, internal and external. This makes it particularly useful for people who suffer from inflammatory conditions or those who have injuries or joint pains.

• Promotes Relaxation

  Pandan paste is often used in traditional remedies to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The leaves are sometimes used to make teas or other drinks that help calm the nerves and induce a sense of peace. This is particularly helpful in reducing anxiety and aiding sleep.

• Natural Food Preservative

  Pandan leaves have natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This makes pandan paste a natural food preservative as well. It is used to prolong the shelf life of certain foods, especially in humid tropical climates where food spoilage is a concern.

How to Store Pandan Paste

Buying pandan paste in bulk means knowing how to properly store them to ensure the flavor, color, and aroma remain intact. Here are some ideal ways to store different types of pandan paste.

• Refrigeration

  Fresh pandan leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag to keep them moist but prevent excess condensation. Pandan paste made from fresh leaves should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within 1 to 2 weeks.

• Freezing

  Pandan leaves can be frozen for longer storage. Make sure the leaves are well washed and dried, then place them in a freezer bag, making sure to remove all the air. Pandan paste can also be frozen. Prepare the paste, transfer it to an ice cube tray or a small portion-sized container, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the pandan cubes to a freezer bag and store for up to six months.

• Storage as Extract

  Concentrated pandan extract can be stored in a clean, airtight glass bottle or container. Make sure the container is properly sealed to prevent exposure to air, which can degrade the extract. The extract can last several weeks in the refrigerator. Pandan powder can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid exposure to sunlight, as this can cause loss of color and flavor. Pandan powder stored this way can last up to six months.

• Stability with Preservatives

  If making homemade pandan paste, adding a small amount of vodka or a neutral spirit can help preserve the paste by reducing the water content and acting as a preservative. Store the paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks.

Q & A

Can pandan paste be used in savory dishes?

Though primarily used in desserts, pandan paste can also be added to savory dishes. This gives meats and rice a subtle floral aroma and flavor. However, it is more commonly used in sweets.

How do I know if my pandan paste is bad?

Bad pandan paste has an off or rancid smell that is not floral or grassy. Molds may also be present in the paste. When buying pandan paste, make sure it has a fresh smell and vibrant color.

Can I use fresh pandan leaves instead of pandan paste?

Yes, fresh pandan leaves can be used instead of pandan paste. However, it may need extra preparation time because the leaves need to be crushed to make the pandan extract. People also need to find the leaves in a fresh market.

What is a good substitute for pandan paste?

As much as pandan paste is aromatic and flavorful, some good substitutes include vanilla extract and leaf, coconut cream, andba