In Oman, Hojari frankincense is chosen by colour. The palest tears are kept for guests and important days. The darker tears scent the home in the evening. All four grades come from the same place: Dhofar, in southern Oman.
This page sets the four grades side by side: how they look, when people burn them and how to burn each.
Sorted by Colour Only
Hojari is the resin of the Boswellia sacra tree. After the tears are gathered, they are sorted into four grades by colour, and by colour only.
Pale tears turn yellow and white with time. This is natural, and the resin is still good to burn.
The Four Grades
Royal
The palest tears, with a green hue. On charcoal, very light and citrus. In Oman, a burner of Royal is passed from guest to guest. People burn it before guests arrive and on an important day.
Superior
Whitish tears, slightly yellow. In Oman, clothes are laid over a frame above the burner to take its aroma. People burn it to scent the home and clothes.
Amber
Amber tears. Caravans once carried frankincense from Dhofar to the Mediterranean. People burn it at gatherings and in the evening.
Dark
Very dark tears, with a deeper aroma. The valleys and old ports of Dhofar are a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Land of Frankincense. People burn it at the end of the day.
How to Burn Any Grade
All four grades are hard resins: they hold their shape on heat.
- Light a charcoal disc in the burner, on a heatproof surface.
- Wait five to seven minutes, until it settles and turns grey.
- Cover it with a layer of fine salt, never sand. This is our own method.
- Place two or three pieces on the salt. You can lift them off with tongs at any time.
- Remove the dark crust left behind, or it burns.
More on frankincense, and on Maydi Mushaad from Somalia, is on our Frankincense page.
Where to Find Them
Royal, Amber and Dark are at the House. At Warehouse 23, Alserkal Avenue, you can smell the four grades side by side before you choose. We are open daily, 9 am to 9 pm.
