Pokan

NaturalCITRUSfresh · fruity
TopPyramid
4/5Strength
8hTenacity
2Origins
Specimen
Pokan perfume ingredient
Top
Citrus reticulata
Definition

A Japanese mandarin hybrid. Sweet, low-acid, with a gentle orange-blossom peel note.

FLORAL CITRUS GREEN SWEET WARM FRESH
PONCIRUS TRIFOLIATA
Type
Ingredient
Olfactive family
Citrus
Subfamily
Green citrus
Cluster
Classic citrus
Source
fruit peel
Chemical class
complex natural (expressed oil)
Instruments
Pyramid
TTop
HHeart
BBase
4/5Strength
High
odour strength
Tenacity on blotter
8hours
1 h6 h24 h3 d7 d400 h
at 100 %
Producing countries
China Japan

Scent

Pokan has a sharp, tangy citrus aroma. On first encounter the scent is bright, like freshly grated lemon peel, bracing and bright, with a slightly sweet undertone. Its initial impact is fresh.

Scent Evolution

In the heart, Pokan becomes rounder and juicier, softening its initial sharpness while keeping a citrus character. It blends into compositions with floral or green notes. In the drydown, the scent settles into a warm, subtly sweet aroma with a ripe citrus quality.

Signature Accords

After 24 hours, Pokan can still be detected on a blotter as a faint, persistent sweetness that blends with underlying notes. This citrus fruit retains a light freshness long after application.

The Full Story

Pokan, also known as trifoliate orange, is a tart citrus fruit from East Asia, particularly China and Japan. It has been cultivated for centuries for culinary and ornamental use, and is hardy across varied climates.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, Pokan is valued for its zest. Its aromatic peel yields essential oils that give bright citrus notes. It is one of the less common citrus varieties used by perfumers.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Pokan has a bright, zesty character that blends with floral, herbal, and woody notes. With the rise of niche perfumery, it is increasingly used.

Did You Know?

Pokan appears in traditional Japanese cuisine, where its zest adds tartness to dishes and beverages.

Related notes: Bergamot · Bigarade · Bitter Orange · Blood Orange · Buddhas Hand · Calamansi · Candied Lemon · Chen Pi

Did You Know?

Pokan appears in traditional Japanese cuisine, where its zest adds a unique tartness to dishes and beverages.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Cold pressing

Formula
Limonene C₁₀H₁₆ (major component) · Methyl N-methylanthranilate C₉H₁₁NO₂
CAS
8008-31-9 (Citrus reticulata oil — mandarin/tangerine type)
Botanical
Citrus reticulata
Appearance
Yellow to orange liquid with sweet citrus odor
Odour strength
High
Lasting power
8 hours at 100%
Synonyms
PONCIRUS TRIFOLIATA
IFRA status
No restriction

No known restrictions

Physical properties
Refractive index
1.474–1.478
Note
Pokan = Citrus reticulata var. — very close to mandarin oil

In Perfumery

In perfumery, Pokan is a top note, bringing a burst of freshness and energy to fragrance compositions. Its bright, zesty character works with other citrus notes such as bergamot and grapefruit, as well as floral notes like jasmine and rose. Pokan can enhance green and herbal accords, adding depth and vibrancy to the overall blend. The unique tartness of Pokan allows it to stand out in a composition, used in modern, refreshing fragrances that aim to capture the essence of nature's brightness.

Role in the formula
01modifier
02signature note
03lifting agent
04blender
05volume builder
Available as
synthetic accord fantasy note

See Also

8 notes