Kewra Attar (Pandanus Odoratissimus)

Kewra Attar (Pandanus Odoratissimus)
Buy Kewra Attar (Pandanus odoratissimus)

Kewra Attar is a prized, traditional Indian perfume oil distilled from the fragrant male flowers of the Pandanus odoratissimus tree, native to India and South Asia. The attar is renowned for its sweet, honey-like, and floral aroma, often compared to rose and jasmine, with a refreshing and soothing scent profile245.

Extraction & Composition

• Extraction Method:
  Kewra Attar is produced using traditional hydro-distillation, where freshly harvested male flowers—picked early in the morning for maximum aroma—are distilled, and the resulting essential oil is absorbed into a base oil, typically pure sandalwood oil45. This process preserves the delicate fragrance and therapeutic qualities of the flowers.

• Chemical Profile:
  The main constituents of natural kewra oil include:

  • 2-phenyl ethyl methyl ether (37–75%)

  • Terpinen-4-ol (12–21%)

  • α-terpineol (up to 8%)

  • 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol (up to 33%)

  • Minor components: geraniol, β-caryophyllene, benzyl benzoate, and others14.

Aroma & Appearance

• Color: Light rose red to pale yellow, sometimes slightly reddish35.

• Scent: Sweet, floral, honey-like, with refreshing and rosy nuances; blends beautifully with sandalwood oil as a base245.

Uses & Applications

• Perfumery:
  Kewra Attar is a staple in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern perfumery, used as a base or middle note to impart depth, sweetness, and a rich floral character to perfumes, body oils, and luxury fragrance blends2345.

• Aromatherapy:
  The attar is valued for its calming and soothing properties, making it popular in aromatherapy to relieve stress, promote relaxation, and uplift mood25.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care:
  Its gentle, skin-softening qualities make it a frequent addition to lotions, creams, soaps, and hair oils. Kewra Attar is also used in body-care products for its memorable scent and skin-soothing ability245.

• Culinary Uses:
  Kewra Attar is widely used as a natural flavoring agent in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, especially in sweets, syrups, rice dishes, and beverages, imparting a delicate floral note enjoyed by chefs and home cooks alike45.

• Medicinal & Therapeutic:
  Traditionally, Kewra Attar is used to help with respiratory issues, reduce inflammation, and provide symptomatic relief in conditions like headaches, fever, and joint pain. It is considered non-toxic but should be used with proper dilution145.

Blending & Compatibility

• Blends Well With:
  Sandalwood oil, rose, jasmine, vetiver, and other floral or woody essential oils, enhancing both perfumery and therapeutic blends25.

Key Facts

Kewra Attar stands out for its exquisite, sweet floral scent and versatility across perfumery, aromatherapy, culinary, and wellness traditions. Whether used to scent perfumes, flavor foods, or soothe the senses, this attar is a true gem of Indian botanical heritage