Why the Smell of Cut Grass Reminds People of Summer
How molecules from grass can trigger memories and nostalgia
There’s something magical about our sense of smell. It’s a stronger sense than taste, and it’s so deeply connected to the parts of our brain related to memory. I have always been fascinated with how the interactions of molecules and proteins in the nose can create such strong feelings and emotions. It’s not an accident, either. It’s chemistry and biology.
The summer solstice is now behind us in the northern hemisphere. As I write this, the forecasted temperature is going to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The heart of summer is definitely here! For many, the summer season is a time of hot weather, swimming pools, beaches, vacations, long afternoons in the sun, and parties. Even those who don’t particularly like the heat have strong mental associations with the season.
One activity that always reminds me of summer is cutting the grass. Now, cutting the grass may not be everyone’s idea of a favorite activity. It may trigger memories of summer chores and your parents yelling. Lawnmowers can be loud. The air becomes dusty if it has been dry. You may have to do it frequently because the grass grows so quickly! One thing that many people can agree on, however, is that the smell of freshly cut grass is rather pleasant, sharp, earthy, and so nostalgic.
For me, the smell of cut grass is another example of how chemistry is connected to memory. Before I launched this SubStack, I wrote an article on Medium about what happens chemically when grass is cut and how grass molecules can trigger such strong feelings and emotions when we smell them. I plan to continue exploring the connection between chemistry, smell, and memory in a future article.
Feel free to read it for yourself!
Read the full story on Medium (free link)