Cyperus articulatus L.
Tall grass found in the Amazon region, it is the main ingredient of banho de cheiro, a traditional aromatic bath Pará inhabitants take to celebrate St. John and at the year-end festivities. The strikingly scented oil extracted from the plant tuber, with floral and woody notes, is highly sought-after by the Brazilian fragrance industry. An essential oil extracted from the root of this plant has versatility of vanilla in the kitchen, with a slightly earthy flavor reinforced by wood and coal notes. In Pará, it is used in the preparation of some braised and stewed savory dishes, and more recently, it has been included in some pastry and dessert recipes.
