Have you ever waited for rain just because you wanted the scent that follows? I have done that. I am currently doing it as the rain clouds are playing hide and seek for the last 2-3 days. But did you know that the scent of the earth after the first shower is called petrichor? This smell derives from an oil exuded by certain plants during dry periods, whereupon it is absorbed by clay-based soils and rocks. During rain, the oil is released into the air along with another compound, geosmin, producing the distinctive scent. This oil retards seed germination and early plant growth. Information courtesy, as always, Wikipedia.
Have you ever seen a person with irises of two different colours, one green, one blue? Or an animal? Heterochromia iridum is the name of the phenomenon. Read more about it in Wikipedia.
One last snippet for the cook in me:
Basil is originally from India, though it is more used in Italian cuisine.
Many thanks to provide the knowledge,
ReplyDeleteWith Compliments..
:)
Deletethank you so much for these gems!!
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of Basil variety giving slightly different flavour and taste and is heavily used in food (italian and Thai)
ReplyDeleteVinay, I got the type which they use in Italian cooking, recently from a nursery here. I am waiting for it to grow a little more for me to try in some pasta :)
DeletePetrichor, it's that smell I crave for living here in Dubai. Thanks Subhadra !!
ReplyDeleteI had a little bit of rain in Bangalore the day I wrote this, but not enough to release the oil from the soil and give me petrichor. I am still waiting :)
DeleteHey that was an interesting post. That oil retards seed germination, you said. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteIndeed Tulika :)
Deletewell i knew about petrichor, thanx to wikipedia, of course. but didn't know about the other two. interesting!!
ReplyDeleteDeb, Now you know :)
DeleteI wait for the rain, after severe heat , for the petrichor.
ReplyDeleteWish they would make a perfume of that scent!
Nice post.
Move over Bvlgari Jasmine Noir, any day for Petrichor scent :)
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