Have you ever wondered about the wild plants that become ingredients in delicious and nutritious dishes? This plant with its distinctive aroma is the answer.

Pandanus, also known as the pandan leaf plant, belongs to the pandan family. It is a herbaceous plant with leaves that are 30 to 51 cm long and pointed like a sword blade. A distinctive feature is that both edges of the leaves are thornless, although fine hairs may sometimes be present. The plant thrives in tropical environments and usually grows in clusters.

Many people easily confuse pandan leaves with the leaves of the pineapple plant used for fruiting. In fact, these two plants are completely different. Pineapple plants grown for their fruit have thick, stiff leaves with distinct serrations along the edges and a dark color on both sides. In contrast, pandan leaves lack serrations, are softer and thinner, usually green, and release a pleasant aroma when crushed.

Pandanus plants are mainly distributed in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In Vietnam, this plant used to grow commonly in the bushes along riverbanks in all three regions. In recent years, pandanus has been widely cultivated by households to supply the market.

Pandan leaves are not only used as a spice but also contribute a delicate aroma and eye-catching color to desserts and cakes. Many people also enjoy steeping pandan leaves in tea to create a delicious beverage.

Pandan leaves are not only used as a spice but also contribute a delicate aroma and eye-catching color to desserts and cakes.

Ms. Hoai, a resident of An Giang, shared: "Previously, pandan plants grew abundantly along the roadsides, especially this type which doesn't have thorns like the leaves of the pineapple plant used for harvesting the fruit. Pandan leaves can be harvested year-round, and people usually choose young, thick, dark green leaves."

When using pandan leaves to wrap rice cakes, people grind or crush fresh leaves, then squeeze out the juice to mix with glutinous rice before wrapping the cakes. This method gives the cooked cakes a beautiful green color and a delicate aroma, making them enjoyable to eat. In my hometown, snack shops often use pandan leaves to color syrups or make pandan-flavored ice cream.”

In recent years, the market in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has witnessed a significant increase in the demand for pandan leaves. Besides fresh leaves, consumers can also find pandan leaves in powder form, making cooking more convenient and faster. Currently, the price of fresh pandan leaves ranges from a few tens of thousands of VND per kilogram, while pandan leaf powder is more expensive, reaching up to 300,000 VND per kilogram.

Ms. Hoai also shared: “Fresh pandan leaves are usually more fragrant and have a richer flavor, but they are not always easy to find in the city and have a limited shelf life. Therefore, I usually choose to buy pandan leaf powder to store in the refrigerator. Occasionally, I will take it out to make cakes or add color to dishes, which is convenient and quick, while still retaining its captivating aroma.”

Fresh pandan leaves are usually more fragrant and have a richer flavor, but they aren't always easy to find in the city and have a limited shelf life.

In 100 grams of pandan leaf powder, you will find the following notable nutritional components:

Beta Carotene: Pandan leaves are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. 100 grams of pandan leaf powder can provide 43-80% of the daily requirement. Pandan varieties with dark yellow or orange fruit tend to contain more beta-carotene.

Vitamin A: This is an essential vitamin for visual health and the immune system, playing a crucial role in protecting the body from diseases.

Iron: Pandan leaves also contain more iron than many other vegetables. Iron is essential for preventing anemia, while also supporting blood circulation and delivering oxygen to the body.

Fiber: With low calories but high fiber content, pandan leaves help improve gut health, support the digestive system, and have a positive effect on weight loss.

Besides being an important ingredient in cuisine, pandan leaves are also used as a safe herbal remedy with many health benefits. You can use fresh or dried pandan leaves. For fresh leaves, wash them thoroughly and use them immediately. For dried leaves, after washing, dry them in the sun and store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.

Besides being an important ingredient in cuisine, pandan leaves are also used as a safe herbal remedy, offering many health benefits.

The outstanding benefits of pandan leaves

Lower high blood pressure

One of the most notable health benefits of pandan leaves is their ability to help treat high blood pressure. Several studies indicate that consuming pandan leaf tea twice daily may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease.

Effective blood sugar management

Pandan leaves have the potential to help control blood sugar levels, offering benefits for people with diabetes. A study conducted on 30 healthy individuals showed that those who consumed pandan leaf tea had more stable blood sugar levels compared to those who did not.

Method 1:

When treating diabetes with pandan leaves, choose leaves that have a fragrant aroma when added to rice or tea. The purchased pandan leaves should be washed thoroughly and dried, but still retain their green color.

Each time, boil about 10 pandan leaves, chopped finely, with 2.5 liters of water. When the volume is reduced to about 2 liters, it's ready to use. Drink all 2 liters of pandan leaf water in one day, about 20 minutes before each meal. If you eat 3 meals a day, drink 0.7 liters of pandan leaf water each time. You will start seeing results after one week.

Method 2:

A handful of pandan leaves, about the size of a patient's fist, should be rolled up and left whole; there's no need to chop them finely. Then, rinse them thoroughly and put them in a pot or herbal decoction kettle. Just add enough water to cover the pandan leaves by about a hand's width.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid turns a green tea-like color. Drink this liquid instead of your daily drinking water.

Eliminate tinea versicolor

Pandan leaves possess antibacterial and antifungal compounds, effectively treating diseases caused by fungi and bacteria, including tinea versicolor. To use, you can mix some pandan leaf juice with salt water and drink one glass daily. For best results, maintain this habit for at least 3 days.

Improve joint-related conditions.

Joint problems don't only affect the elderly; they can also impact younger people. To alleviate symptoms, you can use 3 chopped pandan leaves mixed with heated coconut oil. Once the mixture cools, apply it to the painful, swollen, or inflamed joint areas.

Sedative, stress reducer

The natural scent of pandan leaves has the ability to soothe the mind, helping to reduce stress and calm emotions. Compounds in pandan leaves can stimulate the brain to produce happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine, thereby improving mood and reducing anxiety.

Pandan leaves are generally safe and rarely cause side effects; however, excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea. Therefore, people with digestive problems or existing intestinal conditions should avoid overusing pandan leaves or foods containing pandan leaf extract.