The عود مروكي has been around for centuries and was once extremely popular in Europe. It is referred to as the ‘Witch of the South' as it has a reputation as a spellbinding incense and is sometimes used in magical practice. Oud is made from the agar tree which is native to Morocco. It was originally derived from the agar plant which is common in the region. It has a similar appearance to the other popular incense in the region, known as Bougie. The smell of Oud is a deep, rich and earthy smell that is very pleasant and some might even describe it as nostalgic. However, as with most incenses, it is not advisable to ingest or vaporize it as it can have toxic effects when heated above 400F. It is best used in aromatherapy or as an ornamental plant.
Where Can I Buy Moroccan Oud?
You can purchase Moroccan oud at most major supermarkets and drugstores. Look for the dried stalks in the international or natural section of the supermarkets. You can also find it in most potpourris and as a garnish on various meats and fish dishes. You may need to search for it in smaller supermarkets as it is not commonly found in large superstores.
How Do You Sustain Its Popularity?
The popularity of Moroccan oud can be attributed to a combination of factors. First, it is cheap, costing around $400 per kilogram. This makes it affordable for the average person. Second, it is easy to grow. All you need is sunshine and good soil and you can be harvesting your own oud in a matter of months. Finally, and most importantly, it is easy to process into a variety of forms. You can buy it in large bundles or in smaller quantities which makes it easy to store and transport. The plant is actually self-sufficient which means that you only need to buy fertilizer and water it periodically to keep it going. You can buy Moroccan oud in powder, block or string forms which makes it easy for you to incorporate it into your fragrance or essential oil blends. Even more impressively, the plant is very easy to trim and you can prepare it in a variety of ways making it possible to add different nuances to your blends. The popularity of the Agar Tree (Agaricus Sagaricus) cannot be denied and it is considered a ‘gateway drug' to other types of incense. Some people have described the smell of freshly cut oud as being superior to that of freshly cut grass which is perhaps why it is sometimes added to fresh bread and pastries as a scent. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries and recent studies have shown that it has a variety of medicinal properties.
The Many Forms In Which You Can Buy It.
There are multiple forms in which you can purchase Moroccan oud. You can buy it in large or small quantities and even in a variety of shapes and forms. This greatly expands your options for using the incense. For instance, you can crush it into a powder to make it easier to transport or you can cut it into slices to make it more attractive to visually-oriented individuals. The options are endless!
How Does It Smell?
As mentioned, the smell of Oud is one of unadulterated luxury. However, it is a very subtle and rich smell that is difficult to describe. To some, it might be reminiscent of freshly cut grass or freshly lit candles while others have described it as being reminiscent of vanilla or chocolate. It is an odor that is impossible to ignore, attracting large crowds and garnering numerous positive reviews from all those who have encountered it. When purchasing larger quantities, you can actually sample it and find out what flavor it has imparted to perfumes and colognes. It is always best to purchase from an authorized source as not to incur the wrath of reputable perfumers who might ban you from using their products if you are found to be impersonating the renowned agar plant.
To sum up, the agar tree (Agaricus Sagaricus) is a beautiful plant that is found growing all over the world. The tree has been known to live for many centuries and has found favor with many renowned perfumers, blending firms and creative individuals. The tree's stalks are used to make a variety of beautiful and durable inks which are used to print books. It is one of the most popular fragrant plants in the world and has been known to incite people to act more ethically, honestly and compassionately.