Jasmine flower syrup

Jasmine Flower Syrup – A Floral Delight

Who doesn't remember the warm summer days when jasmine flowers spread their aroma in the air, bringing a note of freshness and elegance? This jasmine flower syrup is a simple and fragrant recipe that can transform any drink or dessert into a refined experience. With patience and a few accessible ingredients, you will create a delicious syrup that will delight your senses.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh jasmine flowers
- 1000 g granulated sugar
- 1000 ml still water
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)

A Bit of History
Jasmine flowers have been used for centuries not only for their beauty and fragrance but also for their therapeutic properties. In many cultures, jasmine flower syrup has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments and as an ingredient in refreshing beverages. This syrup is a wonderful way to capture the essence of this delicate flower and bring it into your home.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Jasmine Flowers
Start by picking quality jasmine flowers, ensuring they are fresh and clean. Rinse them under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, remove the flowers from the stems, being careful not to use green parts, as they can impart a bitter taste to the syrup.

2. Preparing the Syrup
In a large pot, add the still water and granulated sugar. Place the pot on low heat and let the mixture simmer gently. It is essential to stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Cook the syrup for about 60 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.

3. Adding the Lemon
Once the syrup has thickened, squeeze the lemon juice and add it to the pot. The lemon zest adds extra flavor, so don't hesitate to include it! Let the syrup boil for a few moments, stirring gently.

4. Infusing the Jasmine Flowers
Once you have turned off the heat, add the jasmine flowers to the syrup. Gently stir to ensure even distribution. It is important to let the syrup cool to room temperature, allowing the flowers to infuse their aroma into the syrup.

5. Straining and Bottling
After the syrup has cooled, strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flowers. Pour the syrup into clean bottles, label them, and store them in a cool, dark place. Here, the syrup will need a few days to develop its flavors.

Practical Tips
- Jasmine Flowers: Ensure the flowers are fresh and untreated. Picking them in the morning when the dew is still on the petals will enhance the aroma.
- Sugar: You can experiment with brown sugar for a caramelized taste and darker color.
- Lemon: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add an extra lemon.

Delicious Variations
- Honey Syrup: Substitute sugar with honey for a healthier syrup with a distinct flavor.
- Flavoring: Add other edible flowers, such as lavender or roses, to create a complex and fascinating syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions
- How should the syrup be stored?
Jasmine flower syrup stores well in glass bottles, in a dark and cool place. Consume it within a few months to enjoy the best flavors.

- What can I combine the syrup with?
This syrup is excellent in refreshing drinks, added to teas or cocktails. You can also use the syrup to sweeten yogurt or to add to cakes and desserts.

Nutritional Benefits
Although jasmine flower syrup is high in sugar, it can offer some benefits due to the antioxidant content of the flowers. These may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Serving and Presentation
For an elegant serving, pour jasmine flower syrup over a glass of sparkling water with ice, add lemon slices and a few jasmine flowers for decoration. It’s perfect for a summer party or a gathering with friends!

Let's start this culinary adventure! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal! Jasmine flower syrup will bring you not only a delicious taste but also beautiful summer memories. Whether you use it to indulge your taste buds or to impress your guests, this syrup will add a touch of elegance to any table.