What is Jasmine, Concrete?
Jasmine concrete is a concentrated flavoring substance obtained through solvent extraction of jasmine flowers (Jasminum species). The term "concrete" in fragrance and flavoring terminology refers to a waxy, semi-solid extract produced by treating plant material with volatile solvents. Jasmine concrete contains the volatile and non-volatile aromatic compounds that give jasmine flowers their distinctive sweet, floral character. The CAS number 977125-38-4 uniquely identifies this specific ingredient in chemical databases.
Common Uses
Jasmine concrete is primarily used in the flavor industry as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant. Its applications include:
- Beverage flavoring (teas, soft drinks, spirits)
- Confectionery and candy production
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products and yogurts
- Perfumed food products and specialty items
The ingredient contributes floral, slightly sweet notes to formulations, often used in small quantities due to its concentrated nature. Food manufacturers typically use jasmine concrete in combination with other flavoring ingredients to achieve desired taste profiles.
Safety Assessment
Jasmine concrete derived from jasmine flowers has a long history of use in traditional beverages and culinary applications, particularly in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. The ingredient contains compounds naturally present in jasmine flowers, which have been consumed for centuries in tea and food preparations.
According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with jasmine concrete, and no FDA recalls have been issued for products containing this ingredient. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests a favorable safety profile in current use.
The toxicological profile of jasmine flower extracts has been evaluated in scientific literature. Jasmine flowers are generally recognized as safe when used as food ingredients in traditional applications. The major aromatic compounds in jasmine include linalool, benzyl acetate, and other terpenes that are also found in approved flavoring substances.
Regulatory Status
Jasmine concrete does not currently hold FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. However, this designation absence does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that the ingredient has not undergone the formal GRAS petition process with the FDA. Many natural flavoring ingredients function in commerce without explicit GRAS affirmation, particularly traditional botanical extracts.
The ingredient may be used in food products under the FDA's authority for flavoring substances and adjuvants (21 CFR 182.60). Natural flavoring ingredients derived from plant sources are permitted in foods when they comply with relevant FDA regulations and safety standards.
In the European Union, jasmine flower extracts fall under the framework for natural flavoring substances. Individual EU member states and the EFSA have established guidelines for the use of botanical flavoring agents.
Key Studies
While specific published studies on jasmine concrete are limited, the safety of jasmine flower components has been evaluated through:
- Botanical safety literature on Jasminum species
- Toxicological assessments of jasmine-derived aromatic compounds
- Traditional use documentation spanning centuries in various cultures
- Compositional analysis of jasmine extracts confirming presence of well-known flavor compounds
The absence of adverse event reports in FDA databases across decades of food use provides real-world evidence of safety at typical flavoring use levels. Further research on specific applications and dose levels would contribute to the existing safety knowledge base.