alpha aromatics®In the world of fragrances, few scents evoke the essence of summertime quite like the unmistakable aroma of freshly cut grass. Beyond its surface appeal, lies a captivating secret that has intrigued scientists, perfumers and enthusiasts alike.
In the following, we delve into the hidden complexities and timeless allure of fresh grass scents, uncovering the science and psychology behind their charm, and providing a few of our latest concoctions with cut grass at their heart.
What is the smell of fresh, cut grass?
The green grass of home has been mentioned in poetry and song across the centuries and its universal symbol of the essence of life, nature and renewal remains unchanged.
It has applications in several industries, including food and perfumery, as deftly illustrated by the many fine fragrances we create.
It is an aroma like no other on earth that stems from the many pleasant pheromones emitted by freshly mown grass, which are known as green leaf volatiles (GLVs).
Scientists believe that these compounds smell pleasing to humans because they serve as triggers for foods.
Etched somewhere deep inside memory formation, the same aroma is released when vegetables are chopped and fruit matures.
Grass exudes these compounds naturally and defensively, and they are released into the air with other elements, including terpenes and additional alcohols.
They explode in enormous numbers across lawns when they are newly mowed because the trimming process causes extreme distress to the grass, which is disrupted and uprooted.
Research indicates that their amounts depend upon light, intensity and temperature.
These substances contain six carbons and oxygen, which collectively render the unmistakable scent of freshly cut grass.
One Australian study indicated that while these compounds do release some natural disinfectant for the wounded blades, they also liberate greenhouse gases, such as ethanol and methanol.
What Does Fresh Cut Grass Actually Smell Like?
In perfumery, the scent of fresh cut grass is a delicate balance of green, earthy, and slightly sweet notes.
It captures the essence of a sunny day spent outdoors, with hints of verdant fields and newly mown lawns.
Imagine the sharpness of crushed blades mingling with the gentle sweetness of chlorophyll, creating a fragrance that is simultaneously invigorating and comforting.
This aromatic profile lends itself beautifully to both subtle accents in perfumes and bold olfactory statements, offering a refreshing and timeless allure to any fragrance composition.
While it is impossible to extract the essential oils directly from green, wet grass, master perfumers sometimes use essential oils such as: lemon; orange; pine and clove, which contain small amounts of similar properties.
Synthetic components, however, are used more frequently.
The one-of-a-kind, distinctive aroma is equally popular in masculine and feminine fragrances and blends seamlessly with floral and woody accords.
Why Is The Fragrance of Freshly Cut Grass So Popular?
The answer is not so obvious. Some scientists believe that the smell is a natural response to the chemicals that are released when cut.
Others go a bit further and claim that the trimming process serves a dual function both for the grass and for humans.
It helps the grass to grow more abundantly and serves to psychologically soothe the human spirit.
Some experts assert that the smell is nostalgic and arouses memories of happy childhood summer days playing under the warm embrace of the sun.
The sugary, sharpness of freshly cut grass can conjure within the mind’s all-seeing eye visions of the great outdoors, backyards barbecues, or even the color, green itself.
The specific scent often varies, depending on the type of grass and environmental factors.
Relevant Research and Studies
Plant ecologist, Ian Baldwin, founding director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany, conducted several studies back in 2010 that focused on the chemical language of plants.
In his own words: “Just about all fresh vegetables have some GLV bouquet to them, including fruits, that may emit volatiles when their molecules break down during ripening. Throughout evolutionary history, we’ve used that information to know when something is ripe.”
According to a 2017 study performed by a team of scientists headed by University of Delaware botanist, Harsh Bais and Connor Sweeney that was published in the journal, Frontiers in Plant Science: “Plants respond to tissue damage by building up defensive measures. These can include: signaling the roots to grow more quickly so that they can absorb more moisture and nutrients or to redirect sugars to less vulnerable areas such as the roots.”
A Few Recently-Composed Freshly Cut Grass Fragrances
Integrating the scent of fresh cut grass into a perfume requires a perfumer’s finesse to balance its vibrant essence with other complementary notes.
Our perfumers might start by extracting essential oils from grasses or utilizing synthetic compounds to capture the aroma authentically.
Blending it with citrus or floral elements can enhance its freshness, while woody or musky undertones add depth and longevity.
Careful experimentation and precise measurements are always key to achieving the desired olfactory harmony.
To say it somewhat poetically, the result is a fragrance that evokes the sensation of a sun-kissed meadow, offering a revitalizing and nostalgic experience.
The following are a few of our most recently-composed fragrancse that feature cut grass in various capacities.
Cyclamen And Moss
The head notes of this invigorating green fragrance flow with facets of acidic, woody berries and fresh, tart citrus rind.
A floral heart soon follows featuring romantic, musky red rose, sweet, waxy and delicate lily-of-the-valley, musty, green cyclamen and light, floral neroli.
An alluring dry down of sweet, earthy, mild and green cut grass, moist, green moss, soft, pungent leather and sensual, nutty sage completes this fragrance.
Fresh Bamboo
Fresh, natural and sparkling dewdrop and exhilarating citrus zest energize the head notes found in this splendid fragrance.
These aspects soon seamlessly fold into a floral heart of clean, intensely fresh and herbal wild grasses, ambrosial orange blossom and floral, woody, vanilla-nuanced orchid.
The scent completes with a dry down marked by aromatic, sensual white musk, powdery elements and vibrant, tropical and slightly woody yellow bamboo.
Guava Cucumber
Fresh, crunchy and crisp cucumber, tropical, lush honeydew, soft, sweet kiwi and sugary, musky and fruity guava form the top notes of this exotic fragrance.
A heart note bouquet soon follows, comprised of somewhat sweet and mild cassava blossoms and vibrant, sugary green grass.
The scent completes with a dry down of earthy, exotic musk and slightly woody balsam.
Nantucket Briar
Head notes of spicy, elegant bergamot and rosy, green geranium soon merge into a heart of apple-tinged and sweet briar rose, metallic, aqueous violet leaf, and sweet, fresh-cut grass.
A dry down of warm, honeyed amber, sensual musk and lush, noble vanilla complete this memorable scent.
Pomelo Jasmine
Streams of uplifting grapefruit and dry, highly aromatic citron rind open this glorious fragrance.
These elements soon drift into a floral heart of green, sugary and lively green grass, musky, passionate red rose, rich and haunting jasmine, smooth, velvety gardenia, light, floral and herbaceous neroli and fragile, warm and mellow muguet.
The scent finishes with a dry down of woody elements, intensely tropical and milky coconut and erotic musk.
Sweet Grass
Energizing bursts of sharp, fresh lemon, succulent orange and pungent ozone open this exhilarating fragrance.
These facets seamlessly merge into a floral heart note bouquet marked by sugary, intoxicating night-blooming jasmine, lilac-nuanced, spicy wisteria and light, floral and bitter neroli.
The scent completes with a dry down of green, radiant and fresh cut grass and extremely sweet clover.
In conclusion
Freshly cut green grass is a universally loved and recognized fragrance.
The pure connection to Mother Nature and the essence of all living things brings a sense of grounding and comfort to the human psyche that is both unique and profound.
Consider fresh cut grass as well as the many other splendid creations developed by our perfumers for your next product line or customize a new signature scent.
Contact our teams today and explore the possibilities for all commercial and industrial applications.
