Yes, you heard it right! Adding some Pandan leaves to your rice can add life to your rice bowl. Commonly known as Pandan, Pandanus amaryllifolius is a tropical plant in the Pandanus genus. It has fragrant leaves which are used widely for flavouring in the cuisines of Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Pandan Leaves Are Also Known As “Vanilla Of The East”
When it comes to flavorful basmati rice, pandan leaves, also known as "Annapoorna Leaves" or the "Vanilla of the East," are one of your best bets. These leaves, which are widely used in South East Asian cooking, have a natural scent that gives both sweet and savoury meals a reviving and aromatic flavour. To enhance the flavour of rice, chicken, and sweet dishes, these leaves are frequently added to Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisine.
This is the reason why renowned British author Nigella Lawson called these leaves the "New Matcha" of the European culinary scene. For their outstanding flavour, these leaves can also be added to beverages and even jellies. However, rice is where these leaves are most frequently used. Inquiring as to why?
Pandan Leaves Can Make Your Rice Smell Exotic!
A recent study found that the flavour of pandan leaves is comparable to several well-known aromatic rice types, according to the journal "Agro Food Industry Hi-Tech." And this is one of the main causes for why these leaves frequently end up in the rice pot to improve the flavour of inferior rice kinds. By making less popular rice kinds more aromatic, such as Basmati and Jasmine rice, it can be easier for consumers to accept the rice because they will perceive the flavour as being similar.
Pandan Are Just As Healthy As Their Good Taste
These leaves are believed to be abundant in glycosides, alkaloids, and essential oils, with only a trace of tannin and isoprene esters. These leaves are said to be loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. These leaves are traditionally used as a laxative and to alleviate the symptoms of pain and fevers due to the nourishment they provide. Additionally, it is utilised in Ayurvedic medicines to treat constipation and boils.
They Are Also Used As An Organic Colourant
In several Asian nations, pandan leaves have long been utilised as culinary colouring. Typically, the leaves are added to dishes as fresh entire leaves or juice, which later imparts colour. The use of pandan leaves as a green food colouring in pandan-flavoured cakes, ice cream, custards, and other Asian cuisine has gained popularity.
Pandan Leaves Come With Endless Health Benefits!
Pandan leaves have so many health advantages that you can't even imagine them, from naturally treating acne to being the natural remedy for burns, preventing skin cancer, early ageing, and heart diseases, to even assisting in blood sugar level maintenance.
