A Peek into the Domain of Scents, Aromas and Fragrances

Ruchira takes us on a tour of the aromatic world, exclusively for Different Truths. 

The joys and experiences involving smells and fragrances are in no way inferior or less pleasurable than those of sounds and sights. 

Look around and you will stumble upon an unending list: the soothing moist odour emanating from the  parched earth after the first shower, on a sizzling June day. 

I fondly  ruminate how during  my wedding festivities, almost  three decades ago I had received  several tube rose bouquets as gifts, and how they filled those heady days with a dream like quality.

Consider the scents of  Jasmine, Madhabilata (Rangoon creeper/ madhumalati)  Raat ki Raani (night jasmine) hanging heavy upon the air  during summer nights; then there are Shiuli (Harsingar) and chhatim (Devil’s Tree), which  bloom punctually, annually, during  the glorious autumn season. They pamper your senses  the way nothing else can. On a personal note, I get floored nay intoxicated by the fragrance of Rajanigandha (tube rose.)  I fondly ruminate how during  my wedding festivities, almost three decades ago I had received  several tube rose bouquets as gifts, and how they filled those heady days with a dream like quality.

Fruits and naturally occurring products-bounties of nature- possess distinct natural flavours and fragrances:  apple, pineapple, mango jackfruit, lemon and citrus fruits, papaya, cucumber, balmy sandalwood, spices eg clove, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.

Talking of spices, I recall a visit to a spice garden in Goa when I was there the last time. The warm spicy odour was palpable even many yards away.   

Talking of spices, I recall a visit to a spice garden in Goa when I was there the last time. The warm spicy odour was palpable even many yards away.   Coming to exotic and fragrant herbs as spices, Rosemary, Oregano Dill Basil and Thyme are extensively used in haute cuisine down to the likes of Pasta and Pizza, which are very much  in vogue. Their aromas are again pleasurable.        

How many of you happened to have caught a whiff of freshly chopped   grass/ hay /straw served to milch cattle? Trust me they are unforgettable

Meat-eating gourmands are, I am sure, familiar with the smells associated with the exciting array of fish in fish markets, besides seafood and other aquatic (edible) forms of life.

Meat-eating gourmands are, I am sure, familiar with the smells associated with the exciting array of fish in fish markets, besides seafood and other aquatic (edible) forms of life. Though intensely organic and raw, they  hold an appeal to many.

The kitchen is a veritable wonderland  for seekers of olfactory adventures by way of odours,  vapours, and scents. Tempering (tadka/chhonk) with panch phoran (5 spices) is mild, while the jeera-hing-dry chilli combo hits you hard. The highly popular onion-ginger-garlic combo peps up dishes incorporating fish flesh and fowl. Want to prepare a finger licking  mutton dish? Add nutmeg, mace bay leaf and all whole garam masala. The result will be sheer magic. Freshly baked loaves muffins and cookies to have a similar impact on your olfactory nerves. 

Lest  I forget, indigenous herbs namely pudina (mint) dhania (parsely)  Kasuri Methi (dried, crumbled fenugreek leaves) each in their own way  add flavor to numerous culinary products in Indian homes  

Coming to beverages – the aroma of freshly ground Coffee  as well as high quality (read flavour) Tea – Lopchu Orange Pekoe among many- rejuvenate your taste buds besides providing  you the zing you always look for.

Coming to beverages – the aroma of freshly ground Coffee  as well as high quality (read flavour) Tea – Lopchu Orange Pekoe among many- rejuvenate your taste buds besides providing  you the zing you always look for. If you are down with flu or viral a steaming cup of Chamomile tea will work wonders. Nowadays, fitness freaks and weight watchers gulp several cups of Green tea. Its taste might not be appealing  but its flavour is.      

Coming  down to rather mundane, things, I freak out  on the odour of methylated spirit used by masons  & painters not forgetting medical techies, Savlon antiseptic in  my medicine cupboard, bath soaps handwashes shampoos and conditioners perfumed with  the likes of lavender, patchouli, orange or rose. The motley scents most certainly pep up your spirits and make your heart bounce a little.

Photo from the Internet