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Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - RIYADH: The Jazan Agricultural Research Center, in collaboration with the Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association and Jazan University, has extracted oil from the region’s renowned jasmine flowers, a significant breakthrough for the Kingdom’s aromatic oils industry, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Jasmine is a fragrant flower with cultural significance and a symbolic meaning of happiness and joy. It is often featured in local poetry, songs and folklore, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This groundbreaking achievement is expected to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market for aromatic oils and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, the ministry said.

The ministry detailed the process involved in extracting the precious oil — jasmine flowers were carefully soaked in a hexane solution for 24 hours before being subjected to advanced extraction techniques.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of unique aromatic compounds, notably phenethyl alcohol, a key component in renowned rose oils such as those of Taif and Istanbul.

A key differentiator of Jazani jasmine oil is its significantly lower vinyl acetate content, a compound with restricted international use due to health concerns, the SPA report explained. This superior quality positions the Saudi product as a compelling alternative to Indian and Egyptian jasmine oils.

The extraction of jasmine oil opens new avenues for its application in the food and fragrance industries. This milestone aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 objective to promote economic diversification and agricultural innovation.

Jazan has more than 1,000 jasmine farms, with about 500,000 jasmine trees producing about 600 tonnes of flowers each year.

Jasmine plants are commonly used to decorate homes, a tradition passed down through generations, with many women in Jazan growing them in their gardens.

Farmers carefully cultivate jasmine, starting with cuttings in the spring when it is cooler. These cuttings are nurtured in wooden frames. Jasmine can grow up to three meters tall, with evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers.

There are various types of jasmine, each with unique characteristics. Some are known for their large buds and distinctive colours, while others feature long, pure white buds and strong fragrances.

Furthermore, efforts to enhance jasmine cultivation and the production of other aromatic plants are seen as significant steps toward boosting agricultural tourism, creating job opportunities for local youth, and establishing the region as a center for high-quality aromatic products.

The Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association was established in 2022 to support farmers. Its goals are to help develop products, tackle farmers’ challenges, provide resources and organize festivals.

The ministry has shown strong interest in cultivating jasmine in the region, SPA noted. It aims to shift the industry from traditional cultivation and marketing to manufacturing and export — the area’s fertile soil and favourable climate offer ideal conditions for growing jasmine.

The profits from jasmine and aromatic plants have inspired many young people in the region to create online platforms and markets to promote their products both locally and internationally, improving accessibility.