by Zula

Created on: May 05, 2007   Last Updated: November 27, 2011

Ahh...the enchanting scent of jasmine fills the air! This wonderful fragrance has been enjoyed for centuries. The oil of jasmine is known as one of the most expensive scents in the world. It's used today in perfumes, cologne, creams, lotions, cosmetics and soaps.

We often think of jasmine as the main ingredient in potpourri. It blends well with geranium, chamomile, patchouli, cinnamon, clove and citrus. Many homemakers use potpourri to fragrance their home, especially in the kitchen, where cooking odors linger. Essential oil from jasmine is also used in making fragranced candles.

Jasmine is also an ingredient of jasmine tea, used in many kitchens in the United States and around the world. This sparkling, peach colored tea can be served hot or cold. Jasmine tea is sometimes used as an ingredient in special dessert dishes, such as Jasmine Tea Gelatin, Spiced Jasmine Creme Brulee, Jasmine Tea Sorbet and Jasmine Winter Fruit Salad. If you're creative in the kitchen, why not try experimenting with recipes, using tea as an ingredient? Jasmine tea can give the recipe a unique flavor!

This exotic tea has been produced in China for centuries. The tea is made by layering green tea leaves with powerfully scented jasmine flowers, then leaving them overnight. The tea leaves pick up the scent of the jasmine. Before the scenting process is complete, the layering process is repeated several times. The flowers are then discarded. The quality of the tea depends on the quality of the tea used as the base. Today, jasmine tea is available from several retail establishments, specialty shops, tea shops and on-line.

Learn more about this author, Zula.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.