They say that smell is the sense that is most strongly linked to memory. I have no idea whether or not it’s true, but I do know that a familiar or pleasant smell can bring me an enormous amount of comfort. I swear, the viewership of the Food Network would probably triple with the advent of smell-o-vision. Can you imagine being able to smell all the delicious baked goods in Ina Garten’s kitchen, or the grilling meat from Bobby Flay’s rooftop? If only….
In any case, some of my favorite aromas in the world come from the kitchen, and they aren’t always the obvious ones….
These are some of the odors of the kitchen that I can’t get enough of:
- Onions and garlic sauteing: It’s hard to beat the wafting aroma of garlic and onions sizzling away in a hot pan. Whether in garlic or olive oil, it’s the base of so many dishes. Not only is the smell tantalizing, but the promise of future deliciousness is too. Shallots sauteing is a similar, and equally pleasurable smell.
- Sage: It’s one of my favorite herbs, and the powerful, flowery aroma is one of my favorites as well. Yes, lot’s of other herbs smell wonderful, including mint, basil, thyme, and rosemary, but the unique aroma of sage is definitely the one I enjoy the most.
- Flour: There’s something about the smell of raw flour that gets me every time. It’s not particularly strong, but I can’t open up a container of flour without sticking my face into it and taking a big whiff.
- Anything fresh baked out of the oven: This one pretty much goes without saying, but I would be remiss to leave it out.
- Coffee: Another obvious one. I gave up drinking coffee years ago for a multitude of reasons, but I still can’t resist the smell. Can anyone?
- Oniony hands: I love how the scent of onion clings to my hands hours after chopping them. I know it’s a little strange, but I can’t get enough of it, and usually end up sniffing my fingers like a weirdo. I used to do the same thing in high school after having photography dark room chemicals on my hand. I think that was even stranger, but I have to say I miss the smell of fixer on my fingers.
What are some of your favorite kitchen smells?
Photo Credit: The County Clerk/flickr
Clacked by Bob Degon
on May 07, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
As far as herbs go, I adore the aromas of fresh basil and rosemary, even though those aren’t my top favorite herbs to cook with (for cooking, I’d probably go with fresh thyme or sage). I also absolutely love the aroma of fresh cilantro, but that’s one of those flavors that are 50/50 in terms of those who love it and those who hate it (I’m in the “love” category).
But my absolute favorite food scent – in fact I use the “smell test” when buying this particular produce – is vine ripened tomatoes. When I smell vine ripened tomatoes in the market, it’s probably the closest I come to a foodie orgasm – and I don’t even care if people see me deeply inhale their earthy scent and then exhale with a deeply satisfied smile on my face. It’s a sensual experience
I HATE the smell of tomatoes. I love eating tomatoes, raw, cooked, however, but the smell of an actual tomato plant, the leaves, is headache-inducing.
Bob, I shouldn’t even have to tell you that idea of smelling onions on my hands hours after chopping one is insanely horrifying. Even my cutting board gets doused in baking soda after an onion touches it because I don’t want to re-smell it later.
I do love the smell of garlic cooking though, and I’m totally with you on the coffee. Especially that first whiff you get when you open the container…it is heavenly.
I believe you and I must be polar opposites Cate. We should offer ourselves up for scientific study
I believe you’re right Darlene, and just to prove your point, I’ll tell you that I also hate cilantro. I’ve heard it’s genetic, but all I know is it tastes like soap. I do think it smells nice though, and I like coriander, so go figure.
There must be some magic in the aroma of onions and garlic sauteeing… if I have guests over for dinner, when I fire up the stove and throw the onions and garlic in the pan, my guest will almost invariably perk up and ask “mmm! what smells so good”?
I love the smell of dill. Also of mean browning in the pan, onions caramelizing, chicken soup simmering, and bread baking. Yum!
Ditto for Onions and garlic sauteing, coffee, and baked goods. Specifically, baking bread, cookies, anything chocolate.
Ever notice that toast- just plain toast- smells good? I commented on this in the office kitchen yesterday. “That smells good, and I know it’s just plain bread”.
Anything with warming spices such as cinnamon and cloves. A roommate once taught me this trick, which is basically like potpourri: Simmer apples and/or orange peels on the stove with cinnamon and other spices, and it will make the apartment smell nice.
Oh I love to do this – especially after I’ve made something with strong garlic, onion or anchovy scents. I usually plop halved lemons into the mix. So much nicer than an aerosol spray!
For me, nothing can beat the heavenly smell of bacon frying.
For sure! That’s a good one!