Ma Khaen Berry
A citrus-family fruit spice from Southeast Asia, with a bright citrus edge and a dry peppery warmth.
Spicy
About Ma Khaen Berry
Ma Khaen berry is a small spice harvested from trees of the Zanthoxylum genus, growing wild in the mountainous regions of Laos and northern Thailand. It belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae, which makes it a close relative of Sichuan pepper and Timut pepper rather than a member of the true pepper family. In Southeast Asian cooking, it has been used as a traditional spice for generations.
Scent Profile
The aroma opens with a **bright, citrus-tinged peppery sparkle**, suggesting mandarin or yuzu paired with a dry, aromatic warmth. A smoky, slightly resinous nuance emerges beneath the citrus, giving the note a woody, forest-like depth, and a gentle, almost floral sweetness lingers at the edges. The overall character stays lively and faceted rather than heavy or hot.
Use in Perfumery
In perfumery, Ma Khaen berry is used mainly as a top note. Paired with bergamot and other citrus, or with green materials such as ivy and geranium, it brings a transparent, sparkling spice character to the opening of a fragrance. It also lifts heavier floral and chypre compositions, adding modern aromatic brightness and a quietly intriguing twist that keeps the fragrance moving.
