Jasmine Absolute

The star-shaped flowers of the jasmine plant are white or pale yellow and extremely fragrant. They open at night to release their sensual scent. Thousands of jasmine flowers are processed through solvent extraction to produce just one kilogram of absolute: a thick, dark orange liquid with a rich, floral aroma.

Jasmine was brought to Europe in the 16th century and became a staple ingredient in the perfume industry. Every August, a jasmine festival is held in Grasse, France, during which revellers scatter jasmine water and flowers over celebrating crowds and the town comes alive with music, events and visitors from all over the world.

Lush buys Jasmine absolute in India and Egypt, where the flowers are ideally picked at sunrise when they are the most fragrant.