Jasmine Rice Accord.

MS

Michael Salazar

Community Perfumer · Updated May 2026

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Jasmine rice. A fragrant, long-grain rice native to Southeast Asia—revered not only for its soft, slightly sticky texture, but for its unmistakable aroma. Sweet, airy, and gently nutty, it evokes comparisons to popcorn, pandan, and warm kitchens filled with comfort. A quiet staple in cuisine… yet still an underexplored note in perfumery. At the heart of this aroma lies 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP)—a powerful compound responsible for that signature toasted, almost ethereal scent. Found throughout the plant (except the roots), its presence is delicate and fleeting. The less processed the grain, the more pronounced its aroma. Even in cooking, its preservation requires care—favoring gentle steaming over boiling to maintain its nuanced profile. Interestingly, this same molecule can emerge through the Maillard reaction, appearing in foods like roasted hazelnuts and mushrooms—bridging the gap between savory warmth and soft sweetness. In perfumery, we interpret rather than replicate. To recreate this atmosphere, we turn to materials like 2-acetyl pyrazine—nutty, toasted, almost popcorn-like—and 2-acetyl pyridine, which brings a richer, more savory depth. Used with intention (and restraint), they form the backbone of the accord, giving body and realism. Grounding it all is Rice Bran Absolute—a material we love to incorporate whenever possible. Soft, creamy, slightly fatty, and delicately powdery, it lends a natural warmth that transforms the accord from abstract to tangible… from concept to memory. This was a challenging study. Pyrazines are powerful, often unforgiving materials—but learning to shape them with precision opens an entirely new dimension of texture and realism. A quiet note. A humble ingredient. Yet one capable of telling deeply personal stories.