Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is considered the Queen of the Tropics. Hibiscus grow wild in many tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate regions around the world. Hibiscus is a diverse genus made up of approximately 220 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, subshrubs, and trees. Hibiscus have been cultivated for centuries. The name 'Hibiscus' comes from hibiskos, the old Greek name for the common marsh mallow. The most commonly grown species is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which means China Rose.
Hibiscus are large, smooth, eye-catching, trumpet-shaped flowers. Hiscus flowers have five petals, ranging from white to pink, red, purple or yellow. The Hisbiscus petals range in size from 4-15 cm broad.

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Monday, May 14, 2007

Cultivation and uses of jasmine:

Jasmines are broadly cultivated for their flowers, enjoyed in the garden, as house plants, and as cut flowers.. Some claim that the daily consumption of Jasmine tea is effective in preventing certain cancers. Many species also yield an supreme which is used in the production of perfumes and incense.
Jasminum sambac flowers are also used to make tea, which classically has a base of green tea, but sometimes an Oolong base is used. Between six and eight in the evening, as the hotness cools, the petals begin to open. Flowers and tea are "mated" in machines that control warmth and humidity. It takes four hours or so for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavour of the Jasmine blossoms, and for the highest grades, this process may be repeated as many as several times. Because the tea has absorbed moisture from the flowers, it must be refired to prevent spoilage. The spent flowers may or may not be removed from the final product, as the flowers are completely dry and contain no aroma. They simply add visual appeal and are no indication of the quality of the tea.

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