Pandan leaf (malay = Daun Pandan)

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Description of Pandan

 Pandan leaves are indispensable to Nonya dishes, especially in Malay or Nonya desserts and in steamed coconut rice (Nasi Lemak).
The pandan leaves are taken from the screw-pine plant (a relative of the plant which provides leaves for making "mengkuang" products), and the leaves are also a source of natural green food colouring that comes with built-in flavouring.
(Actually, the leaf that is used for natural green colouring is another variety known locally as "pandan serani" and which I shall post the picture of the plant later).


One other use of the pandan leaves unrelated to cooking is as a "cockroach or insect repellant"; just use one entire pandan leaf (usually tied in a knot) and place in a drawer, closet or behind furniture. This is guaranteed to keep away unwanted insects and roaches for weeks at a time.




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