Frankincense (Smells like rosin, tastes extremely bitter, chews into a soft, gummy mass that turns white when absorbing water).

Frankincense (Small nipple-shaped, light yellow, translucent, with a layer of whitish powder on the surface)

Vinegar-fried Frankincense

Vinegar-processed Frankincense

[Naming]

Frankincense

 [Source]

Frankincense, from the “別錄(Separate Records)”, Top Grade‧薰陸香(Frankincense)

 [Common Usage Level]

C

 [Botanical Origin]

The gum resin exuded from the bark of the trunk of Boswellia carterii Birdw., of the Burseraceae family, or plants of the same genus.

 [Characteristics]

The dried gum resin usually presents as small nipple-shaped, teardrop-shaped granules or irregular small pieces, 0.5-3 cm long, sometimes sticking together into lumps. Light yellow in color, often with slight green, blue, or brownish-red hues, and translucent. The surface has a layer of whitish powder. After removing the powder, the surface remains matte. It is hard and brittle, with a waxy, matte fracture surface, sometimes with a glassy luster. It has a slightly aromatic odor and a slightly bitter taste. When chewed, it initially breaks into small pieces, then quickly softens into a gummy mass that sticks to the teeth, and the saliva becomes milky with a slight spicy sensation. It softens when heated, emits a slightly fragrant odor when burned (but should not have a rosin-like smell), produces black smoke, and leaves black residue. When ground with a small amount of water, it forms a white milky liquid.

 [Processing]

1. Raw Frankincense 2. Processed Frankincense

 [Identification]

《證類本草(Illustrated Materia Medica)》: “Purple-red like cherries is superior”, “Red and transparent is superior”. 《醫方類聚(Collection of Medical Prescriptions)》: “Wanshan Stone Frankincense, with exquisite honeycomb-like structures, is genuine, heat it first, then heat it again. If it’s from the sandalwood family, the fragrance will be enclosed by the Frankincense smoke and difficult to disperse, otherwise it’s white gum incense.” 《仁術便覽(Handbook of Benevolent Arts)》: “Frankincense that is clear and bright is good.” 《良劣鑑別(Distinguishing Good from Bad)》: “Light yellow transparent body, round granular shape, resembling jade or nipples, is a good product. Dark brown color and irregular block shape is an inferior product.” Best is light yellow, round bead-like granules, translucent, free of sand, stone, or bark impurities, with powder that is sticky to the touch, and has an aromatic odor.

 [Category]

Resin Class