Jasmine only issues its powerful scent when it blooms at night, and pickers must select only the ones yet to open. / Photo: AFP
In the ancient city of Madurai in southern India, jasmine is omnipresent — attracting buyers from some of the world's most recognisable perfumes, including J'adore by Dior and Mon Guerlain by Guerlain. "It is lush, it is rich, it is vibrant," said Thierry Wasser, perfumer and"nose"at French beauty house Guerlain, speaking to AFP news agency while visiting the jasmine operators.
"When you understand that the purpose of this flower is the celebration of love and brotherhood and family and friendship; when you smell it, it takes another dimension," Wasser said.Around 700 kilograms of fresh jasmine is reduced to just one kilogram of oil, selling for around $4,200. /Photo: AFPThe women who pluck the jasmine — be it for their deity, weddings, funerals or expensive perfumes — have no time to romance its appeal.