The Food World's Hottest Ingredient Has "Roots" in Seduction
The Food World's Hottest Ingredient Has "Roots" in Seduction
How a homely Amazonian root became the culinary talk of the town.
What began as an aromatic oil used by indigenous tribes in the art of seduction has quickly become one of the Brazilian Amazon’s most popular exports.
At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss the priprioca, a grass-like plant that grows along the rivers and streams of Pará state. But the essence extracted from its roots packs a potent scent that is leaving a mark on the country’s cosmetics and culinary industries.
“Its smell is unusual and innovative, very different from the nearly 2,500 ingredients traditionally used in international perfumery,” Danielle Barbizan, olfactory...
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