Kewda: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Botanical name: Pandanus odoratissimus

• Common names: Kewda, Kewra, Kevda, Screwpine flower.

• Region: Mainly cultivated in India (Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal), and Southeast Asia.

• Extraction: Kewda oil (attar or ruh kewda) is obtained by hydro-distillation of the male flowers.

2. Aroma Character

• Sweet, floral, fruity, rosy, green, hyacinth-like, slightly woody.

• Nuances:

  • Bright & sweet → reminiscent of rose and hyacinth.

  • Fruity undertones → like ripe pineapple or mango.

  • Green-fresh → leafy brightness.

  • Woody-balsamic trace → subtle grounding in the drydown.

👉 Overall impression: an exotic, sweet-floral-green note, fresh yet opulent, often compared to rose with a fruity tropical twist.

3. Chemical Composition (Key Molecules)

• Methyl ether of β-phenylethyl alcohol (Methyl ether of hydroxyphenyl-ethyl ether) → characteristic kewda floral sweetness.

• Phenyl ethyl alcohol → rosy-floral tone.

• Linalool → fresh floral brightness.

• Terpenoids & esters → fruity-green nuances.

4. Perfume Applications

• Used in Indian attar perfumery for centuries.

• Applications:

  • Floral compositions → adds brightness and tropical sweetness.

  • Orientals & ambers → complements richness with freshness.

  • Fruity-floral perfumes → tropical, exotic edge.

  • Traditional attars → often blended with sandalwood oil.

• Blends well with:

  • Rose, jasmine, tuberose (enhances floral opulence).

  • Sandalwood (classic Indian combination).

  • Citrus notes (balances sweetness with freshness).

  • Amber & musk (for depth and longevity).

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Symbol of devotion and purity (used in Indian temples and rituals).

• Mood impressions:

  • Exotic & tropical → lush, floral escape.

  • Uplifting & radiant → cheerful and bright.

  • Romantic & sensual → sweet, rosy-floral appeal.

  • Spiritual & ceremonial → sacred associations in India.

 Quick Summary Table

In essence: Kewda (Kewra) is an exotic, sweet, rosy-floral-green fragrance with tropical fruitiness, celebrated in Indian perfumery and rituals for its uplifting, romantic, and spiritual aura.