One trillion! That's how many odours our noses can detect, according to science.org. Even people with poorer powers of smell can distinguish at least 80 million. Fragrances are strongly linked to emotion & memories, which is why good smells have the power to lift our mood and make us forget our worries, even if just for a little while.
The warm, comforting scent of bread as it bakes is largely due to a compound called 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP). This aroma molecule is what gives bread its distinctive, mouthwatering odour.
Cherished for its rich, layered fragrance, it is highly useful in both perfumery and aromatherapy. Believed to have originated in the Middle East, this hybrid rose produces a precious essential oil known as rose otto, extracted through the steam distillation of its delicate petals.
Lavender (Lavandula) is a genus of over 45 species of flowering plants celebrated for their calming aroma. Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender has been treasured for centuries in perfumery, traditional medicine, and even culinary uses.
Jasmine or Jasminum officinale, often known as common jasmine, has small white flowers with an intense and much-loved khushboo. Native to the Caucasus and parts of Asia, jasmine has become a symbol of purity and sensuality across many cultures.
Vanilla, derived from the pods of the orchid species Vanilla planifolia, is also especially beloved, both for flavour and fragrance across the world. Native to Mesoamerica (part of North America and Central America), its cultivation spread globally following the discovery of hand-pollination techniques.
Commonly known as the sweet orange, it is prized for its bright, invigorating fragrance. The essential oils extracted from the orange peel are rich in compounds like limonene, which give the fruit its fresh, zesty aroma -- a scent that instantly uplifts and energises.
Specimens obtained from Santalum album is highly revered for centuries for its deep, rich woody fragrance. Its warm, calming scent is widely used in perfumery, incense and traditional rituals.
The enticing aroma of newly-brewed coffee is a complex mix of volatile compounds formed during the roasting process. This rich, warm scent is known to awaken the senses, evoke comfort and boost energy.