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Jasmine (Jasminum) is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family Oleaceae, comprising about 200 species. It is native to tropical and warm temperate regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Jasmine means 'Gift from God', from Persian yasmin.
Jasmine is cultivated for its fragrant flowers, and is enjoyed in the garden, as a house plant, and as cut flowers. The fragrant flowers are worn in the hair by women in southern and southeast Asia. The flowers are opened at night , when the temperature is low, and can be plucked in the morning.
Jasmine tea is consumed in China, where it is called jasmine-flower tea. Flowers and tea are combined in a machine that control temperature and humidity. It takes about four hours for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavor of the jasmine blossoms. This process may be repeated for as many as seven times to produce highest grades of Jasmine tea. In Japan, jasmine tea is known as Sanpin Cha.
Jasmine syrup is made from an extract of jasmine flowers, and the French are known for their jasmine syrup. In the United States, French-made jasmine syrup is used to make jasmine scones and marshmellows.
India, Egypt, China, and Morocco are producers of jasmine essential oil. The oil is expensive due to the large quantity of flowers needed to produce a small amount of oil. Jasmine flowers are collected at night because their scent of jasmine is powerful after dark. The flowers are laid out on cotton cloths soaked in olive oil for a few days, and then extracted leaving the true jasmine essence.
Jasmine absolute is used in perfume, aromatherapy, and incense. Absolute is similar to essential oil. It is a concentrated, highly-aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants through the use of solvent extraction techniques or the more labor-intensive method of enfleurage. Whereas essential oils can be typically obtained through steam distillation.
Jasmine sambac is the national flower of Indonesia, where it goes by the name 'Melati Putih'. It is also the most important flower in wedding ceremonies for ethnic Indonesians, especially in Java island.
In Pakistan, Jasminum officinale is the national flower, and is known by 'Chambeli' or 'Yasmine'.
In Philippines, jasmine is known as 'Sampaguita' , and is usually strung on garlands, used to adorn religious images.
In Hawaii, Jasminum fluminense is considered as an invasive species, so as Jasminum dichotomum in Florida.
In Thailand, jasmine flower is an symbol of the mother.
