Jasmine (India)
4 fragrances with this note
Part of accords: Floral, White floral, Chypre
- Latin name
- Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum sambac
- Family
- Olive family (Oleaceae)
- Origin
- India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
- Parts used
- flowers
- Raw materials
- concrete, absolute
- Extraction
- solvent extraction
- Olfactory group
- floral (white flowers)
- Position in the pyramid
- heart
- Synthetic substitutes
- Hedione, benzyl acetate, indole
India is the world's largest jasmine producer: both large-flowered jasmine and sambac are grown here. Most plantations are in the south of the country, in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where the flowers are picked every day through a long season.
How it smells: Indian jasmine is lush, warm and juicy: honeyed white flowers, a fruity note, a faintly spicy and animalic (indolic) shade. It sounds brighter and more sensual than the delicate jasmine of Grasse.
In India jasmine is part of everyday life: it is woven into garlands, worn in the hair and offered in temples. The best-known sambac variety from the city of Madurai even has a protected geographical indication.
What it pairs with: with tuberose and ylang-ylang — lush tropical bouquets, with sandalwood — the classic Indian pairing, with oud and rose — oriental luxury, with vanilla — warm sensuality, with tea — “jasmine tea”.
Good to know: in Madurai jasmine is sold at market by weight — in baskets and garlands — and the city is often called the “city of jasmine”.
