SPLENDOUR In The GRASSE

Journeying through the Joseph Mul farm in Grasse, Arissa Ha traces the path of the iconic jasmine from verdant fields to the heart of Chanel's signature scents

- Arissa Ha

There's something almost magical about watching the world wake up. As dawn painted the skies in Grasse, I stood amidst a sea of white, the air thick with an aroma that felt like a whispered secret between Earth and the heavens. The scent was pure, intoxicating, and almost otherworldly-imagine the sweetest embrace of nature. This was Joseph Mul's farm, the birthplace of the jasmine that is so integral to Chanel's legendary fragrances.

THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE JASMINE 

So, why the early start? Jasmine flowers are most fragrant in the morning, their oils at their peak concentration. Moreover, the delicate petals can easily be bruised by the sun's harsh rays. Picking them in the cooler hours ensures that they retain their integrity and fragrance.

As I wandered through the fields, I watched flower pickers with their seasoned hands, moving with a rhythm honed through years. Their care and precision were evident: only the finest blossoms were chosen and handpicked. By mid-morning, the day's harvest is complete.

A SCALE AND A PROMISE 

As I watched the freshly harvested jasmine flowers being weighed, a staggering fact hit me: 700kg of these delicate blossoms yield only one kilogram of absolute. That's 5.6 million flowers, each handpicked with care.

What took me by surprise was Chanel's ingenious approach. Right at the end of the sprawling fields stood their factory. The reason? Time is of the essence. The flowers begin to oxidise the moment they're plucked, so processing them immediately is crucial to capture their pristine scent.