Jasmine (Jasminum, Jasmine which is from the Persian yasmin, i.e. "gift from God", via Arabic) is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family (Oleaceae), with about 200 species, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World. Most species grow as climbers on other plants or on structures such as chicken wire, gates or fences. The leaves can be either evergreen (green all year round) or deciduous (falling in autumn).

Cultivation and uses:

Widely cultivated for its flowers, jasmine is enjoyed in the garden, as a house plant, and as cut flowers. The flowers are worn by women in their hair in southern and southeast Asia. The delicate jasmine flower opens only at night and may be plucked in the morning when the tiny petals are tightly closed, then stored in a cool place until night. The petals begin to open between six and eight in the evening, as the temperature lowers.

Jasmine tisane is consumed in China, where it is called jasmine flower tea .Jasminum sambac flowers are also used to make tea, which often has a base of green tea, but sometimes an Oolong base is used. Flowers and tea are "mated" in machines that control temperature and humidity. It takes four hours or so for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavour of the jasmine blossoms, and for the highest grades, this process may be repeated as many as seven times.

Because the tea has absorbed moisture from the flowers, it must be refired to prevent spoilage. The spent flowers may or may not be removed from the final product, as the flowers are completely dry and contain no aroma. Giant fans are used to blow away and remove the petals from the denser tea leaves. If present, they simply add visual appeal and are no indication of the quality of the tea.

The French are known for their jasmine syrup, most commonly made from an extract of jasmine flowers. In the United States, this French jasmine syrup is used to make jasmine scones.
Jasmine essential oil is in common use. Its flowers are either extracted by the labour-intensive method of enfleurage or through chemical extraction. It is expensive due to the large number of flowers needed to produce a small amount of oil. The flowers have to be gathered at night because the odour of jasmine is more powerful after dark.

The flowers are laid out on cotton cloths soaked in olive oil for several days and then extracted leaving the true jasmine essence. Some of the countries producing jasmine essential oil are India, Egypt, China and Morocco. Its chemical constituents include methyl anthranilate, indole, benzyl alcohol, linalool, and skatole. Many species also yield an absolute, which is used in perfumes and incense

JASMINE TEA:

Jasmine Tea is a famous tea made from Green or Pouchong (Chinese Green) tea leaves that are scented with jasmine flowers. The jasmine flowers are harvested during the day and stored in a cool place until night. During the night, the flowers bloom with full fragrance. The flowers are layered over the tea leaves during the scenting process.

The quality of Jasmine tea is determined by the quality of green tea used as its base and the effectiveness of the scenting. Ten Ren offers Jasmine tea, imported from China and Taiwan, in a variety of grades and modalities for your enjoyment.

Jamine Plant

Classification

Kingdom : Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order : Lamiales

Family : Oleaceae

Genus : Jasminum

Scientific

Name : Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton

Found In : Nagarhole National Park

Other names : Moghra, Kundumalligai, Arabian Jasmine. Mallika are some of the other names used for the Jasmine. In India Jasmine is called the 'Moonshine in the garden'.

Description : Jasmine is a evergreen semi vining shrub. It grows to the height of 8- 10 feet. The flower is about one inch. It has oval green rich leaves, which have five to nine leaflets. Each leaflet is 2-3 inches long. Jasmine flowers are white in colour. Its stems are slender, trailing, green and glaborous.

Other Species : Jasminum amplexicule, Jasminum angulare, Jasminum angusgustifolium, Jasminum arborescens, Jasminum atttenuatum, Jasminum auriculatum, azoricum, Jasminum bessianum, Jasminum cinnamomifolium, Jasminum coffeinum, Jasminum crabibianum, Jasminum cuspidatumkmkm are some of the related species of the Jasmine plant.

Location : Jasmine plant is found in almost all the parts of India. They are widely grown in the Nagarhole National Park in India.

Cultivation methods : It is propagated through the softwood cuttings, semi hard wood cuttings and through simple layering. It needs water regularly. It is mostly propagated in the summer season. It is planted 6 inches deep inside the soil. It requires moist and well drained soil. Remove the weeds present inside the soil before planting the tree. The soil should consists of cow dung before planting the Jasmine plant. It requires frequent pruning for its fast growth. It needs warm temperature and proper watering from time to time. It grows in full Sun to partial shade. It should be fertilized in a month period. Jasmine Plant should be kept at least eight feet apart in order to save the later growth of the plant from jamming together. Tips of the plants should be pinched to stimulate lateral growth and frequent prunning. Younger plants should be tied with the stems to give a fairly heavy support.

Medicinal uses : The Jasmine flower is used for removing intestinal worms and is also used for jaundice and venereal diseases. The flower buds are useful in treating ulcers, vesicles, boils, skin diseases and eye disorders. The leaves extracts against breast tumours. Drinking Jasmine tea regularly helps in curing cancer. Its oil is very effective in calming and relaxing.

Other uses : Jasmine oil is used used for making perfumes and incense. Its flowers are used to flavour Jasmine tea and other herbal or black tea. Its oil is also used in creams, shampoos and soaps. In India Jasmine flowers are stringed together to make garlands. Women in India wear this flower in their hair. Some communities even use this flower to cover the face of the bridegroom.

Cultural Importance : In India the Jasmine plant is related to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Jasmine flowes are used in the religious offerings.