Bull run for Shankarapura jasmine ends

　　MANGALORE: The Bull run this season for the famed fragrant Shankarapura Mallige or popularly known as Sooji Mallige'' has ended. The rate of one 'atte' of flowers, which had crossed Rs 820 a week back, has now fallen sharply to Rs 150 on Sunday. It was quoting at Rs 210 on Saturday.

　　The more fragrant but less fancied Jaaji mallige, also grown in Udupi region, was quoted at Rs 45 on Sunday and on Saturday it was Rs 65. It was at a high of Rs 350 last week. About 800 jasmine flowers, depending on their size, are strung together using plantain stalk to make one chendu and four chendus make one atte.

　　Udupi Mallige Belegaarara Sangha president Ramakrishna Sharma Bantakallu says that the rates fluctuate wildly on a day to day depending on the supply and demand of jasmine, which is a fancy item. There are merchants in Mumbai who buy Rs 5 lakh worth of flowers on a day as when there is high demand during festivities and marriage seasons,'' he told TOI. Apart from Mumbai, the coastal regions of Mangalore, Udupi and Kerala are the major markets for this flower.

　　There are about 10,000 families engaged in jasmine cultivation in the coastal districts extending from Kasargod to Uttara Kannada, with a maximum number of 7,500 families being in Udupi district. Sharma says the rates are likely to go up again during Deepavali and marriage season. The lowest rates an 'atte' quotes is Rs 80 during off season and it sometimes goes down to as low as Rs 40 during transport strikes. A rate of Rs 200 per 'atte' is remunerative,'' observes Sharma.

　　The fancy rate for the fancied flowers depends upon the whims and fancies of the wholesale merchants based on the demand from customers and the supply. Fortunately in the case of jasmine growers, whatever the hike, barring a commission of Rs 10 or Rs 20 the entire sum is passed on to the growers unlike in other agro sectors where middle men make windfall profits. We get a daily rate from wholesalers and we give the maximum to the merchant who quotes the highest,'' says Sharma.

Flowering Tea Using Jasmine Flower Tea

　　The elements of herbs and plants have been used for hundreds of centuries by many cultures. Their use has always been a combination of medical and spiritual applications, and the natural characteristics of each herb or plant are defined by their application, whether for physical or mental healing.

　　The jasmine plant has long been a favorite of many people in the areas of the world where it thrives, often because of the beauty of the small flowers that only bloom in the evening when the temperature cools. Jasmine flower tea is another popular use of this “gift of God” - the Arabic definition of the word - for its very pleasing aroma as well as its healing properties. Jasmine flower tea has been used in Asia for centuries not only for its extraordinary aromatic qualities but for its calming, sedative properties.

　　The making of flowering tea is an old tradition that combines the beneficial aspects of herbal tea with the added attraction of watching dried flowers come to life when placed in heated water. Jasmine flower tea is one of the more popular plants to use, and the small flower buds create an interesting visual display as they release their fragrant and homeopathic essence

　　The art of making flowering tea is a well-respected craft that has been handed down through many generations of Chinese artisans. Carefully selected combinations of flowers and other flora are woven together in a time-honored tradition to create a unique show of regeneration, as the flowers spring to life in the water during the steeping process.

　　These skilled artisans are very adept at weaving these elements together in a specific manner to allow the buds they create to unfurl in just the right way. The dried buds that are the result of their handiwork can be used individually in a tea cup, or several can be combined in a teapot. The resulting visual show is often considered to be as important as the botanical benefits of the plants and flowers themselves. The symbolic genesis that takes place can serve as a method of prayer and worship of the “gift of God” that jasmine flower tea provides.

　　This ancient art form has become more appreciated around the world in modern times. The making of flowering tea has been part of a growing understanding of the importance of using the plants and flowers that are omnipresent in nature for nutritional support, for healing, and for the physiological benefits that these elements provide.

　　The increasing interest in studying the regenerative role that herbs and plants play in human health has led to a better grasp of their beneficial qualities. The importance of antioxidants is understood more today as science and cultural tradition begin to find a common ground in the study and application of the many natural characteristics found in the botanical world. The ability of herbs, flowers, and plants to support continued good health when they are included in a daily dietary program is founded in solid scientific research as well as the traditions of folk knowledge that has stood the test of time.

Pork steak with jasmine flowers

　　My friend Hieu at London's Vietnamese restaurant Cay Tre serves jasmine flowers as a side dish; they are absolutely delicious and have a luxurious flavour somewhat reminiscent of asparagus (which would also work well here). You can find them in Chinese and Vietnamese supermarkets.

　　I've also scattered a few Chinese chive tops over, which you can also find in Chinese supermarkets.

　　4 pork steaks, cut from preferably the rib, weighing about 150g each

　　100-120g jasmine flowers (or asparagus)

　　2tbsp vegetable or corn oil for frying

　　A handful of Chinese chives, tops reserved and bottoms finely chopped

　　2-3tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

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　　Preheat a ribbed griddle pan or heavy frying pan, season and brush the pork steaks with a little of the soy. Brush the griddle with a little oil and cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until just cooked but still slightly pink.

　　Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon or so of the vegetable oil in a heavy frying pan or wok and quickly fry the jasmine flowers and chopped chives for 2-3 minutes without colouring them and seasoning lightly during cooking. Blanch the chive tops in boiling salted water and drain.

　　To serve, cut the steaks into 4-5 slices, spoon the jasmine flowers on to warmed serving plates, arrange the pork on top and scatter the chive flowers over. Spoon a little sweet soy around and serve.

The smell of jasmine, a bowl of phở – what takes you back?

　　A post from a few days ago about my conversation with a young Salvadoran immigrant and his memories of the chickens back home - and of El Salvador’s beloved chicken soup – has led to a string of memories from readers. Several have posted comments about the tastes, smells and other sensations that take them back to the place of their childhood, both on the site and on KPCC’s Facebook page.

　　One reader, Premulu (Prem Kishore) posted this lovely mini-essay:

　　The smell of jasmine. What I find here is light in scent, not the heady, intense fragrance of the Indian jasmine back home. But one whiff of the American jasmine and I am transported back to Chennai, in South India where in my childhood youth and beyond, we bought jasmine every day from the flower seller who came to our door with an overflowing basket of the intoxicating pure white thick buds of jasmine.

　　She would stretch out her hand and measure from the tips of her fingers to her elbow…the correct measurement for one strand or MOLLUM and then neatly snip it off.

　　When I was young my mother would plait strings of jasmine into my braid every day. This was a ritual as hair had to always (be) sweet smelling. My children always kept flowers in their hair and I would wind ropes of jasmine around my hair that was pinned up in matronly fashion.

　　When guests arrived we always offered jasmine flowers, and a weekly trip to the flower sellers’ market would fill us with joy as we saw mountains of flowers, marigold, hibiscus, lilies, roses and of course the jasmine.

　　Several readers chimed in on Facebook, some with memories of something that took them back to another country, others to their childhood here in the United States.

Top 5 Flowers Of Love & Sensuality For Home

　　

A beautiful garden can change the mood. Similarly, having fragrant flowers or plants can create a romantic ambiance. Flowers are always used to convey the feelings to your partner and so having a sensual flower garden or plant at home is a good idea. To create an ambiance of romance and love, grow these flower plants indoors or outdoors. Following are top 5 flower plants of romance and love. Take a look.

　　Top 5 fragrant flowers for love:

　　Red rose: This is one of the best and widely used flowers of romance. It is sensual, erotic and lovable. Rose has many varieties. Red and coral rose colours are symbols of love and sensuality. The bright roses plants in your garden can add to the sensuality and mood for love. The flower can be grown in the garden or indoor too. Plant roses in pots if keeping indoors. It is considered as a flower which requires a lot of maintenance. Just remove the rose thorns and keep watering it once daily. Keep it in partial sunlight for 2-4 hours everyday.

　　Plumeria: One of the most commonly known fragrant flower for love after rose is plumeria. The strong fragrant of plumeria spreads sensuality and love in the room. Plumeria flowers are available in different colours with fragrances and are easy to grow too! If the climate is too cold, plant them indoors and give moderate water.

　　Jasmine: It is a strong fragrant sensual flower for love. The flowers are not only great for decoration but also has a sensual affect to the couples. The flower of romance symbolizes sensuality. Growing jasmine outdoors is the best idea as the fragrance is very strong. Also jasmine plants need sunlight to blossom. Water thee jasmine plants liberally to make them last long.

　　Jonquils: These are daffodils which produces fragrant flowers. Jonquils symbolizes desire to ;love or get loved, affection and sympathy. Growing jonquils is simple and doesn't require much maintenance. Water regularly when the flowers grow. Keep under partial sunlight for 2-5 hours.

　　Tulip: Like roses, tulips have various colours which have different symbols. Red and the general colour are sensual flowers. These tulip colours symbolizes perfect lover, sensuality and that you dream about your partner. These are excellent cut flowers which lasts in a flower vase for a week.

　　These are the top 5 fragrant flowers of love and sensuality. Fill your life with romance and love by growing these flower plants.

Jasmine flowers - Best flowers to be gifted during any special moments

　　Web sites that are linked to the same subject are very well developed and therefore can be trusted. The sites have a wonderful collection of photos for users to choose from. The best part of the story is the fact that the price to pay for the entire event is absolutely zero. Customers can reach their desired pictures are taken by experts for absolutely no cost and stress. The sites are kept extremely easy to use to ensure that people from all sectors of society are able to obtain the desired thing with relative ease.

　　The jasmine flowers are white in most species while some plant species have yellow flowers. The flowers are believed to have originated in the Himalayas in the western regions of China. Although most flowers the family Oleceae have four corolla lobes petals of jasmine flowers are the only one to have five or six lobes. The flowers appear in clusters and are small to medium. The flowers are highly scented and are mainly grown for the shiny leaves and the scent produced by the flowers. The jasmine flowers are delicate and nearly an inch in size and only open at night. They are picked in the morning, when the buds are soft and small. The petals begin to open six to eight, as the temperatures begin to drop.

　　The flowers are often considered the most beautiful things on Earth by many. It is said that flowers can be the best gifts in several memorable moments. There are many types of flowers that are available in the market today. However, the flower of jasmine has always been more expensive for people in almost all corners of the world. The jasmine flowers are not only beautiful, but they are extremely god smell. They have a rare ability to inject a positive attitude about them. The soothing fragrance of flowers has always been a specialty

　　The modern world is much based on technology. It is a good idea to use the modern dose of technology in all possible affairs of life to get the best effect. The best way to find jasmine flower pictures is by using the web world. The virtual world of internet has several websites which have been dedicated for this purpose. The users can take the help of any popular search engine for the event. The key words should be jasmine flower pictures. The search engines are expected to return the list of all the related websites in the correct order of priority..