If you’ve shopped for frankincense online, you’ve probably noticed that prices range wildly — from a few dollars for a large bag to significantly more for a small pouch. The difference almost always comes down to species, origin, and grade.
The Species
There are over twenty species of Boswellia, and they don’t all produce the same resin. Boswellia Carterii — native to the Horn of Africa — is considered the classic frankincense species: the one with the warm, balsamic, slightly citrus aroma that has defined the word “frankincense” for centuries. Other common species include Boswellia Sacra (from Oman and Yemen), Boswellia Serrata (from India, often used in supplements), and Boswellia Frereana (a Somali species prized for chewing). Each has a distinct scent profile and chemistry.
We use exclusively Boswellia Carterii because it’s what we know, what we trust, and what delivers the aroma and quality our customers expect.
What “Grade I” Means
Frankincense resin is graded based on three characteristics: purity, aroma, and clarity. Grade I — the highest grade — refers to large, clean resin tears that are relatively free of bark and debris, translucent rather than opaque, and strongly aromatic. Lower grades contain more impurities, smaller or broken pieces, and a weaker scent.
The grading happens at the source. After harvesting, resin tears are sorted by hand, and the best pieces — the largest, cleanest, most aromatic — are separated out as Grade I. These command a higher price, but the difference in quality is immediately apparent: hold a Grade I tear up to the light and you’ll see it glow amber. Smell it before burning and you’ll catch the scent through the resin.
Why It Matters
When you burn lower-grade resin, you often get a harsh, smoky scent with less of the warm balsamic character that defines quality frankincense. The impurities burn off with an acrid edge. Grade I burns clean — the smoke is smooth, fragrant, and warm from the first moment.
The same principle applies to essential oil. Oil distilled from higher-grade resin has a richer, more complex aroma and a higher concentration of beneficial compounds like boswellic acids. This is why we specify our grade — it’s not marketing language, it’s a measurable quality standard.
When we say Grade I Boswellia Carterii from the Horn of Africa, we’re telling you exactly what you’re getting. No ambiguity, no blending, no shortcuts.