Smell of freshly cut grass

For humans, the smell of freshly cut grass is connected through olfactory memory to past experiences involving the odour and may evoke nostalgia, eliciting associations with spring or summer.

When grass is cut or damaged, lipoxygenase enzymes begin a breakdown of membranes in the plant's cells, producing linoleic and linolenic acids.

[4] While grasses release small amounts of hydrocarbons passively and in response to strong sunlight, these emissions may increase by a factor of 180 when leaves are cut or damaged.

[5] Highly reactive hydrocarbons released by cut grass combine with gases such as nitrogen oxides and exacerbate photochemical smog and urban air pollution by contributing to the formation of aerosols and ozone.

An experiment analysing cut red fescue grass (Festuca rubra) and white clover (Trifolium repens) found prolonged releases of cis-3-hexenal, cis-3-hexenol, and hexenyl acetate.

The smell may evoke nostalgia, eliciting associations with spring or summer,[13] parklands, golf courses, or preparations for sporting events.

For many, the scent or fragrance of freshly cut grass reminds them of spring or summer, manicured lawns or playing fields, or other such pleasant experiences.

The compound, which has the smell of freshly cut grass, is naturally present in tomatoes, kiwifruit, olive oil, and green tea.

The release of green leaf volatiles following the cutting of a lawn is responsible for the odour of freshly cut grass.
The smell of freshly cut grass is evident immediately after mechanical damage, such as that done by mowing the lawn.
The smell of freshly cut grass may evoke associations with chores.