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Quenepa

CITRUS SMELLS  /  fruity · fresh · tropical
Quenepa
Quenepa perfume ingredient
CategoryCITRUS SMELLS
Subcategoryfruity · fresh · tropical
Origin
VolatilityTop Note
BotanicalMelicoccus bijugatus
AppearancePale yellow to greenish liquid
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesCaribbean, Central America, South America
PyramidTop

Quenepa has a unique citrus aroma, like tropical sweetness with a hint of tang.

  1. Scent
  2. The Full Story
  3. Fun Fact
  4. Extraction & Chemistry
  5. In Perfumery

Scent

Quenepa has a fresh aroma, often compared to a blend of lime and lychee. The initial scent is lively and citrusy, with a sweet undertone. This creates a character similar to tropical fruits, with a warm quality.

Scent Evolution

As the fragrance develops, the sweetness of quenepa deepens and its tangy notes soften, giving a warmer impression.

Signature Accords

On maturing, quenepa keeps its fresh quality while becoming more complex. After 24 hours, subtle earthy undertones ground the initial brightness, while the overall impression stays fruity.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Bright, citrusy and sweet, reminiscent of lime and lychee.
After a few hours

After a few hours

Sweetness deepens, becoming more rounded and harmonious.
After a few days

After a few days

Retains fruity qualities with subtle earthy undertones.

The Full Story

Quenepa, also known as Spanish lime or genip, is a tropical fruit native to the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. It has a soft, greenish-yellow skin that encloses a sweet and tangy pulp. Historically, quenepa has been a staple in local diets. Its scent is gaining recognition in perfumery, where it adds a bright note to compositions.

Origin and Production

Sourcing quenepa involves careful harvesting from trees that thrive in tropical climates. The fruit is picked when ripe and its aroma extracted by various methods. As a natural ingredient, quenepa adds freshness and complexity to perfumes.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

In perfumery, quenepa contributes bright, uplifting qualities that can enliven a fragrance. As interest in natural and exotic ingredients grows, it is being used more in fragrance compositions.

Did You Know?

Quenepa is often enjoyed fresh, eaten straight from the skin.

This note in Première Peau. Gravitas Capitale. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Quenepa is often enjoyed fresh, eaten straight from the skin.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Synthetic recreation of scent profile

Molecular Formulacomplex mixture (organic acids, terpenes)
CAS NumberN/A — olfactory accord
Botanical NameMelicoccus bijugatus
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsSPANISH LIME · GENIP · GUINEP
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
AppearancePale yellow to greenish liquid
Specific Gravity0.900 to 0.960 @ 25 °C (est)

In Perfumery

Quenep a is primarily used as a heart note, adding its fresh and fruity characteristics to the overall composition of a fragrance. Perfumers often use quenep a to create lively, summery scents that carries feelings of joy and vitality.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.