Is Purple Yam natural or synthetic?

A fantasy or concept note, not a single material.

Purple Yam

AccordFRUITS, VEGETABLES & NUTSsweet · earthy · nutty

HeartPyramid

3/5Strength

—Tenacity

4Origins

Editorial noteWe own no rights to this material, its name or its trademark. This entry is independent editorial journalism, published under freedom of expression.

Specimen

Dioscorea alata

Fantasy/Concept

Definition

Purple Yam is a bright root vegetable known for its unique flavor and color, often used in culinary applications.

FLORAL EARTHY SWEET WARM FRESH CREAMY NUTTY

Ube, Purple Sweet Potato

Type: Accord
Olfactive family: Fruity
Subfamily: Classic fruits
Cluster: Mixed fruit notes
Source: fruit
Chemical class: synthetic accord

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

3/5Strength

Medium

odour strength

Producing countries

India Nigeria Philippines Pacific Islands

Scent

Purple Yam has a sweet, creamy aroma with earthy undertones. Its scent can be likened to a blend of sweet vanilla and subtle nutty notes. This profile is both bright and grounding.

Scent Evolution

When experienced in a perfume, the initial impression is often like freshly baked goods. As it develops, the scent reveals softer nuances akin to sweet potato and hints of floral undertones.

In PREMIEREPEAU

DISCOVERY SET7 × 2 ml →EXTRAIT DE PARFUMThe seven extraits →

The Full Story

Purple Yam, also known as Ube, is a tuber native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines. This striking root vegetable has a deep purple hue. Historically, it has been a staple in various Asian cuisines, known for its nutritional benefits and versatility. In perfumery, its scent profile is gaining traction.

Origin and Production

Sourcing Purple Yam involves careful cultivation and harvesting, primarily in tropical regions where the climate supports its growth. Farmers typically plant the tubers in well-drained soil, and once harvested, they can be processed to extract their aromatic properties. The richness of Purple Yam lies in its flavor and in its potential olfactory contributions.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

As the fragrance industry evolves, Purple Yam is becoming more significant because of its scent profile that complements a variety of other notes. Its sweet and earthy aroma provides a rich backdrop for more complex fragrance structures. Its striking color and aroma also lend a sense of authenticity and naturalness to modern fragrance compositions.

Did You Know?

Purple Yam is a culinary delight and rich in antioxidants.

Related Notes

Discover more: Argan, Potato, Shea Butter, and Pumpkin.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Fantasy note — no purple yam essential oil exists commercially. The scent is recreated using synthetic lactonic and earthy accords.

Formula: N/A — natural tuber, complex mixture
CAS: N/A — natural tuber, no single CAS
Botanical: Dioscorea alata
Appearance: Purple to dark violet paste
Odour strength: Medium
Synonyms: Ube, Purple Sweet Potato

IFRA status

See note

Not applicable: accord or concept, not a single material

Physical properties

Note: Purple yam (ube) used as gourmand note in perfumery. Not commercially extracted.

In Perfumery

In perfumery, Purple Yam typically is a heart note because of its rich and sweet characteristics. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla, tonka bean, and other sweet gourmand notes, improving warmth of a fragrance. It can harmonize with floral elements such as jasmine or ylang-ylang, creating a beautifully balanced composition that is both sweet and structured.

Role in the formula

01modifier

02signature note

03blender

04naturalizer

05freshness

Available as

synthetic accord fantasy note