Pandanus amaryllifolius

Pandanus amaryllifolus, commonly known as pandan, screw pine, or screw palm, is a tropical evergreen with long, strappy, fragrant leaves that are formed on erect stems reaching up to 10 feet in height in tropical regions but smaller as a houseplant. Flowering rarely occurs. The plant is commercially cultivated for its leaves which are prized in southeast Asian cuisine for their aromatic fragrance in rice dishes, soups, stews and curries. The fragrance is often described as floral, sweet, grassy, and vanilla-like. It is very easy to grow and offers a tropical appeal in the garden and container. Protect from winter cold as a potted houseplant.

Widely used in Southeast Asian cooking as a flavoring for rice, chicken, beverages and pastries, the leaves of Pandan Grass impart an aromatic flavor to food. This upright plant has slender, green leaves and aerial roots at the base. Pandan leaves are easily made into a paste for later use in a variety of recipes. Simply cut the leaves into small pieces and boil with water until the leaves are soft then process to make the ready-to-use paste. The leaves are also used for wrapping meats before cooking.