Springtime Scents

What does spring smell like?

To me it's sweet, I'm thinking of pretty pink blooms I love so much. 

In general, springtime scents are often associated with freshness, floral notes, and hints of greenery, like the 

Fresh Cut Grass: The smell of freshly cut grass is synonymous with the arrival of spring, evoking a sense of renewal and nature awakening.

Floral Bouquets: Spring is the season of blooming flowers, so scents such as rose, jasmine, lilac, lavender, and peony are commonly associated with this time of year.

Citrus: Citrusy scents like lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit can add a refreshing and invigorating touch to spring fragrances.

Greenery: Scents reminiscent of green leaves, herbs, and foliage can capture the essence of new growth in springtime.

Rain: The smell of rain hitting dry earth, often referred to as "petrichor," is a beloved scent associated with spring showers.

Fruity: Besides citrus, other fruits like apple, pear, and berries can contribute to springtime scents, adding a sweet and playful touch.

Light Woods: Light, airy wood scents such as cedar or sandalwood can provide a subtle grounding note to complement the freshness of spring.

Aquatic: Scents inspired by water, sea breeze, or ocean air can evoke the feeling of springtime picnics by the lake or seaside.

Clean Linens: Crisp, clean scents like cotton, linen, or fresh laundry evoke the feeling of spring cleaning and a fresh start.

Herbal: Aromatic herbs like basil, mint, and thyme can add a fresh and uplifting aspect to spring fragrances.

Photo by alleksana on Pexels

Which brings me to a related topic: 

Aromatherapy

What it it?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts, typically in the form of essential oils, to promote health and well-being. While the exact mechanisms behind aromatherapy's effectiveness aren't fully understood, several theories exist to explain why it works:

Olfactory System: One of the most widely accepted explanations is based on the olfactory system. When essential oils are inhaled, scent molecules stimulate olfactory receptors in the nose, sending signals to the brain's limbic system. The limbic system is involved in emotions, memories, and behaviors. This connection between scent and emotions may explain why certain aromas can evoke specific feelings or memories and potentially influence mood and stress levels.

Pharmacological Effects: Some essential oils contain compounds that can have pharmacological effects when absorbed into the bloodstream through inhalation or topical application. For example, lavender essential oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to have calming and sedative effects.

Stress Reduction: Aromatherapy may help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Inhaling certain essential oils can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with feelings of relaxation and happiness. This can lead to a decrease in stress hormone levels like cortisol, promoting a sense of well-being.

Placebo Effect: The placebo effect may also play a role in the perceived benefits of aromatherapy. Belief in the effectiveness of the treatment can influence its outcome, leading to subjective improvements in mood and well-being.

Psychological Association: Aromatherapy may also work through psychological association. For example, if someone associates a particular scent with positive experiences or relaxation (such as the smell of lavender reminding them of a peaceful garden), simply smelling that scent could induce feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Direct Physiological Effects: Some essential oils have demonstrated direct physiological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or analgesic properties. These effects may contribute to the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy when applied topically or inhaled.

Photo by Vicky Tran on Pexels

Eat with your eyes

Or drink, for that matter. I recently heard about an experiment, in which several hundred test subjects were given a glass of whisky and a tasting sheet. First they tasted th a room in which the color green predominated; indeed, an area had even been covered with fresh grass for the experiment. 

Then they were sent to "the red room". As the name suggests, this part of the building is mainly furnished with red furniture, carpets and accessories. Music was also played in sweet, high tones. 

Finally, the test subjects took their whisky glass into a wooden room with a rustic appearance. Fireplace, wooden floor, oak barrels as tables, you get the picture.

Now guess in which room the flavors such as floral, earthy, smoky, spicy, earthy, sweet or nutty were perceived as particularly pronounced? And it was always the exact same type of whisky, and people were aware of it! Nevertheless, they swear that they definitely perceived grassy aromas in the green room, whereas the drink tasted much sweeter in the red room, and in the wooden room the smoky, spicy notes were distinctly there!

Isn't this interesting? I can relate very well, I would have had the same experience for sure! 

Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

Since we're on the topic of eating...

Why does my pee smells after eating asparagus?

Photo by Christina Rumpf on Unsplash

Known for its unique flavor and tender texture, asparagus is a quintessential spring vegetable that's versatile and can be roasted, grilled, steamed, or even eaten raw.

The smell that occurs in urine after eating asparagus is due to the breakdown of sulfur-containing compounds present in asparagus. Asparagus contains a compound called asparagusic acid. When the body metabolizes this acid, it produces various sulfur-containing compounds, including methanethiol, which is responsible for the distinct odor often described as "funny" or "foul-smelling."

Interestingly, not everyone can detect this odor, as it's believed that the ability to smell the compounds in asparagus urine is genetically determined. Some people can produce the smell in their urine after eating asparagus, while others cannot detect it at all.

Now we know!

I don't want to end my post with asparagus pee though, so here's something cute I keep enjoying in our area.

As soon as the strawberry 🍓  season starts, which, as of today, is not the case yet, we're off to Ammerswil, a tiny town 5 miles from our house. I don't even know if their strawberries taste the best, but they sure provide a fun experience.

A strawberry themed cow (because why not, after all we're in Switzerland?) and a sign that says "Erdbeeren" = strawberries let you know that you have arrived.

Turn off the main road and follow the sign, and you'll see the giant strawberry house. Anybody home?

Some farmers use the window to actually serve you in person. This family has better things to do than to spend their time sitting in a strawberry (even though it might be fun for the kids?)

Instead they installed a vending machine. It accepts coins and bills and provides change, too.

Five bucks a box

First strawberries of the season! We're excited! The pictures were taken in 2020, look how young Colin was 😍

Bye, cow - we're headed home!

So what do you smell now? Whiskey? Asparagus? Strawberry? Spring?