Edible Giant Pandanus

[Matt Heng]

Hi there, I am looking for edible giant pandanus leaves ( or at least non-poisonous). We use them to wrap sticky rice dumplings in (also known as nyonya dumpling). Around this time of the year in Singapore it is sold for the home cooks but I never am able to catch the season as I am here in Singapore, and I am unable to get a scientific name for it from the food sellers.. Can anyone help?

[Jodie Miller]

I grow a smooth leafed pandanus with narrow leaves.  Not obviously aromatic like the ones at asian grocers.  Doesn't seem to grow a trunk or stem.  Just keeps getting bushier.  Sound familiar?

[Joseph]

Does it look like this, Jodie?

[Jodie Miller]

Yes!  Definitely has the screw pine growth habit but not so long trunk as pictured - that I can see.  Been in the ground for more than six years.  Holds onto it's dead leaves underneath so I will have to fossick and have a closer look.  What if I take a photo and upload here?

So is this the culinary pandanus or not?

[Joseph]

As far as I'm aware, and I could be wrong, this giant pandanus is grown for its leaves, which are not eaten but used as wrapping, like banana or bamboo leaves, in some Southeast Asian recipes. 

The P. amaryllifolius is the only species in the Pandanus genus that I would consider culinary. However, the P. tectorius (or pandan tree, but sometimes called fragrant screw pine, which is another common name for amaryllifolius - talk about confusing) is used by other cultures for herbal and/or cooking purposes.

A photo would be helpful.

[Matt Heng]

Actually when I say edible, I mean it will not be poisonous for food purpose. I want to wrap the food but obviously if there are some species which are poisonous, I would not want to cook my food with them..

Yes Jodie a photo will be helpful...