The smell of freshly cut grass is actually a complex mixture of different organic compounds that are released when the grass is cut or mowed. These compounds include a group of chemicals known as green leaf volatiles (GLVs), which are produced by the grass as a response to stress, such as being cut or damaged.
GLVs are a diverse group of compounds that include alcohols, aldehydes, and esters, and they are responsible for the fresh, sweet, and slightly floral scent that we associate with newly cut grass. The specific combination of GLVs and other compounds varies depending on the species of grass, the time of day, the weather conditions, and other factors. (Z)-3-hexenal is the main compound that gives fresh cut grass its smell.
The smell of freshly cut grass is thought to have evolved as a way for plants to communicate with the environment and attract pollinators or repel pests. However, the exact function of this scent is not fully understood.
For many people, the smell of freshly cut grass is associated with warm weather and summer days, which may contribute to the pleasant and nostalgic feelings it can evoke.
