Quenepa

AccordCITRUSfruity · fresh · tropical
TopPyramid
3/5Strength
—Tenacity
3Origins

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Specimen
Quenepa perfume ingredient
Top
Melicoccus bijugatus
Fantasy/Concept
Definition

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

CITRUS EARTHY SWEET FRUITY WARM FRESH TROPICAL
SPANISH LIME GENIP GUINEP
Type
Accord
Olfactive family
Citrus
Subfamily
Sweet citrus
Cluster
Classic citrus
Source
Plant-derived — Melicoccus bijugatus (Spanish lime) fruit; accord recreated from tropical fruit esters and citrus molecules
Instruments
Pyramid
TTop
HHeart
BBase
3/5Strength
Medium
odour strength
Producing countries
Caribbean Central America South America

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.

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.

Did You Know?

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

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Synthetic recreation of scent profile

Formula
complex mixture (organic acids, terpenes)
CAS
N/A — olfactory accord
Botanical
Melicoccus bijugatus
Appearance
Pale yellow to greenish liquid
Odour strength
Medium
Synonyms
SPANISH LIME GENIP GUINEP
IFRA status
No restriction

No known restrictions

Physical properties
Specific gravity
0.900 to 0.960 @ 25 °C (est)

In Perfumery

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

Role in the formula
01modifier
02signature note
03lifting agent
04blender
05volume builder
06freshness
Available as
synthetic accord fantasy note

See Also

8 notes
Buddha's Hand citrus Bergamot citrus · aromatic · bitter · tea-like Dihydromyrcenol fresh · citrus · aromatic Blood Orange citrus · fresh · fruity Neroli floral · honeyed · green Spray Paint metallic · sweet Citrus Japonica citrus · fresh · fruity Clementine sweet · fresh · citrus
The seven extraits
INSULINE SAFRINE DOPPEL DANCERS ALBÂTRE SÉPIA GRAVITAS CAPITALE SIMILI MIRAGE ROSE MONOTONE NUIT ÉLASTIQUE Discovery Set
PREMIEREPEAU Perfumery Glossary →