The Beautiful Essence of Jasmine Absolute
When it comes to luxurious and enchanting fragrances, jasmine stands out as a timeless favourite. Jasmine Absolute is renowned for its deep, intense aroma, often described as rich, sweet, and exotic. The process to harvest the flowers requires meticulous manual labour – it is estimated that it takes about 8,000 hand-picked blossoms just to produce 1 ml of Jasmine which equates to approximately 700 kg of jasmine flowers being needed to produce 1 kg of absolute. Another interesting factor is jasmine flowers are harvested between dusk and dawn due to this being when their scent and oil content is the highest.
The History of Jasmine
Ancient Egypt
Jasmine was an integral part of Egyptian culture. It was used in perfumes, cosmetics, and religious rituals. The Egyptians admired jasmine’s fragrance and believed it had spiritual significance, often incorporating it into their offerings to deities and during sacred ceremonies.
Ancient Greece and Rome
The Greeks and Romans also cherished jasmine for its aromatic qualities. It was used in perfumes and was associated with love and beauty. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder mentioned jasmine in his writings, highlighting its popularity in Roman society. During the medieval period, jasmine continued to be a symbol of luxury and refinement.
Islamic Golden Age
In the Middle Ages, jasmine was cultivated in the Middle East, particularly in Persia (modern-day Iran). The Persian poets and scholars celebrated jasmine’s beauty and fragrance in their works.
European Renaissance
Jasmine made its way to Europe during the Renaissance, where it became a favourite among aristocrats and royalty in European courts.
Jasmine’s Cultural Significance
India
In Indian culture, jasmine holds a revered place in religious ceremonies, weddings, and festivals. It is often used in garlands and decorations. The jasmine flower is a symbol of purity and love.
China
Jasmine is also significant in Chinese culture, where it is associated with good fortune and prosperity. Jasmine tea is a traditional favourite, blending the delicate flavour of jasmine with green tea.
Harvesting
Jasmine Absolute oil is renowned for its rich, deep fragrance and is used extensively in high-end perfumery and aromatherapy. Unlike essential oils that are typically steam-distilled, Jasmine Absolute is extracted using a method called solvent extraction. Here’s a detailed look at the process.
Jasmine Absolute is derived from the flowers of the jasmine plant, specifically Jasminum officinale or Jasminum sambac . The flowers are harvested between dusk and dawn when they are most aromatic, as their scent is at its peak and the oil content is highest.
Preparation of the Flowers
The freshly harvested jasmine blossoms are carefully handled to avoid bruising and damage. They are then layered into an extraction vessel, where the extraction process will take place.
Solvent Application
The flowers are subjected to a solvent, which dissolves the essential oils and other aromatic compounds from the jasmine petals. The solvent is typically applied in a percolation process where it passes through the flower layers, absorbing the fragrant compounds.
Creation of Concrete
The solvent-oil mixture results in a substance called "concrete." This is a waxy, solid substance that contains the aromatic compounds extracted from the jasmine flowers.
Separation of Solvent
The concrete is then separated from the solvent. This is usually done through evaporation or distillation, leaving behind a concentrated form of the jasmine essence.
Obtaining Absolute
To purify the jasmine essence further and remove any residual solvent, the concrete is treated with alcohol. The alcohol dissolves the aromatic compounds and leaves behind the waxy material. When the alcohol evaporates, the result is a highly concentrated aromatic liquid known as jasmine absolute.
Solvent extraction is used as it captures a wider range of aromatic compounds compared to steam distillation, resulting in a more complex and intense fragrance. This method is effective in extracting the delicate aroma from jasmine flowers, which can be challenging with steam distillation due to the flower's delicate nature.
The final jasmine absolute is then filtered and tested for purity and quality. It is checked for its aromatic profile and consistency to ensure that it meets the desired standards. The quality of jasmine absolute can vary based on factors such as the source of the jasmine flowers, the extraction process, and the expertise of the producer.
