The Aquilaria Trees and the Birth of Agarwood

Central to the allure of agarwood is the aquilaria tree, native to the dense forests of Southeast Asia. The rarity of agarwood begins here; it forms only when the aquilaria tree responds to a specific mold infection. This natural defense mechanism triggers the production of a rich, dark resin within the heartwood, transforming ordinary wood into the extraordinary agarwood, known for its unique and captivating fragrance.

 Why Agarwood is Expensive

Agarwood's lofty price tag stems from its rarity and the time-intensive process required for its formation. Only a small percentage (less than 10%) of aquilaria trees naturally become infected and produce the precious resin. Furthermore, this process can take decades, making agarwood one of the most valuable and sought-after commodities in the fragrance world. Its rarity, coupled with the laborious and meticulous process of harvesting and transforming the resin into incense, justifies its high cost.

The Making of Agarwood Incense

Crafting agarwood incense is an art passed down through generations. The resin-laden wood must be carefully harvested, then expertly processed to capture its distinctive scent. This process preserves the essence of the wood, allowing the unique fragrance to be experienced in each meticulously crafted stick or oil. At Good Sense, our incense is handcrafted by a family of artisans who have mastered the art for decades.

Wild Harvest vs. Sustainable Cultivation

The extraction of agarwood has traditionally been done through wild harvest, a method that involves sourcing directly from natural forests. While this method can yield high-quality agarwood, it poses a significant threat to the survival of wild Aquilaria trees. Overharvesting has led to a drastic reduction in their natural population, pushing these trees towards endangerment.

In contrast, sustainable cultivation of Aquilaria trees offers a responsible and environmentally friendly alternative. In this method, the trees are nurtured for a period of 5-7 years before being inoculated to induce resin production. Following inoculation, it typically requires an additional 2-4 years before the agarwood can be harvested. Thus, the entire process from planting to harvest spans approximately a decade, making agarwood truly a treasure. 

At Good Sense, we only source from sustainably cultivated Aquilaria trees.