The most unique aspect of Ujire Mallige cultivation is the harvest time. The picking begins as early as 2:00 AM. Why the odd hour? Because the buds bloom at dawn. To capture the unopened bud (which holds the fragrance best without losing petals), farmers work under the stars with headlamps. By 5:00 AM, the harvest is rushed to the Ujire Mallige market , one of the region’s most frenetic trading hubs.
: Farmers must harvest the flower buds early every morning, typically before 6:30 a.m., to ensure they reach the market while still fresh and tightly closed. ujire mallige
From its cultivation in the fertile coastal soils to its role in the bustling local markets, Ujire Mallige embodies the essence of the Tulunad region's heritage. 🌿 The Significance of Mallige in coastal Karnataka The most unique aspect of Ujire Mallige cultivation
For local cooperatives and NGOs:
Ujire Mallige is prized for its intense, sweet fragrance and pristine white color. It is typically a variety of Jasminum sambac , characterized by its thick, waxy petals and a shelf life that allows it to remain fresh for several days when kept as buds. Because the buds bloom at dawn
Because the oil is highly volatile, the solid content begins to degrade within hours of plucking. High-quality extraction requires processing the "solids" immediately after harvest.