Jasmine belongs to the genus Jasminum in the Oleaceae family and is an evergreen shrub with opposite simple leaves. Originating from Persia, jasmine is a subtropical flower. Its buds form on the new branches of the same year and are arranged in a cymose inflorescence. Jasmine is divided into two types: multivalved and single-petaled. Multivalved jasmine is the main cultivated variety in China.
Jasmine flowers are harvested from May to the end of October, and the flowers in different seasons are respectively called spring flowers, summer flowers, and autumn flowers.
sanfu flowers are the best quality, accounting for about 40% of the annual output. Jasmine, with its long flowering period and high yield, is the main flower used for scented tea.
The timing of jasmine flower picking significantly impacts the quality of the flowers. Picking buds that are about to bloom in the middle of the day or afternoon results in larger, higher-quality flowers. After picking, the flowers will open in the evening or at night, and the buds left on the branches will also fully open at night.
The main aromatic oil components of jasmine include benzyl acetate and linalool. Benzyl acetate accounts for 40% to 60% of jasmine aromatic oil. The pure product is a colorless oily liquid, which has a strong jasmine fragrance after dilution. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Linalool, also known as 2,6-dimethyloctadienol, exists in nature as two isomers and is also present in jasmine aromatic oil. It accounts for about 10% of jasmine's aromatic components and has a fresh lily fragrance. Linalool and benzyl alcohol also have relatively high contents in jasmine's aromatic components.
