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Bois de Jasmin
A Primer on Sensory Pursuits

Jasmine of Angels, Jasmine of Madonna

Of all the names by which philadelphus is known–summer jasmine, farmer’s jasmine, mock orange, the loveliest ones are the Italian monikers of this sweet smelling blossom, Fiorangelo or Gelsomino della Madonna. Angel flower or Madonna’s jasmine. In Ukraine we call it simply zhasmin, jasmine, and the jasmine of my Bois de Jasmin is this very plant. No summer image existed in my mind apart from its blossoming clusters leaving white petals in my hair and its heady perfume clinging to my skin.

Thanks to philadelphus, I developed an obsession with all kinds of white flowers, from true jasmine and gardenia to orange blossom and tuberose. Jasmine may not be a correct botanic way to describe philadelphus, but its aroma is similar to that of jasmine sambac. Some varieties also smell similar to orange blossom. The main difference is that philadelphus is sweeter, less animalic than either sambac or orange flower and has a wild strawberry nuance. It makes my summer redolent of a jasmine sorbet studded with ruby-red fraises de bois. Usually I enjoy philadelphus by lying down on the grass under its spreading branches and dreaming. Everything is put on pause. Nothing matters except the skies above my head framed by the white blossoms.

But aiding moments of quiet contemplation is not the only benefit of philadelphus. It can also be used in teas and drinks. A reader commenting on my Instagram mentioned that she likes to float a few blossoms in her beer to give it a brighter top note. I add it to my teas and dried herbal blends. One favorite is inspired by Moroccan mint tea, and as I’ve discovered, the sweet jasmine-like aroma of philadelphus marries well with green tea. I also dry philadelphus petals to use in my winter tisanes. When dried it has a mild but pleasing fragrance that combines well with dried rose petals, chamomile, linden blossoms, thyme, mint and sage. Madonna’s Jasmine Tea with Mint


a handful of fresh philadelphus flowers
a small bunch of Mint leaves
1.5 Tablespoons green tea (such as oolong or gunpowder tea)
sugar to taste

First, tone down the bitterness of the tea. Place tea in a teapot and cover with boiling water. Swirl and drain right away, discarding the water.

Add mint and philadelphus flowers to the tea. At this point, you can also add sugar (start with 2 teaspoons). Cover with 2 cups of boiling water and steep for 2-3 minutes. Once it has brewed to your liking, pour into cups and adjust sugar to taste. Float a few extra philadelphus blossoms in each cup for a brighter flavor. You can reuse the tea leaves and flowers again at least two times, but I recommend adding fresh blossoms to enhance the perfume of the subsequent infusions.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin. Thank you to my friend Ermano for pointing out the Italian names of philadelphus.

Extra, to take advantage of the summer blooms: White Acacia Tisane and Magnolia Cocktail.

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