A Maydi (boswellia frereana) tree growing in a characteristically inaccessible and bizarre location
Maydi harvesters
Initially, 2Mages only offers Maydi from one source:
Said Awad Araale in Rari Buul, Saahil
Maydi (frankincense frereana)
Maydi incense is obtained from the Boswellia Frereana tree, that grows only in northern Somalia, in rocky, limestone-rich soils at higher elevations than other frankincense species. These small to medium-sized trees produce a distinctly pale, amber-colored resin that forms cleaner, more uniform tears than carterii. The purity of this incense explains why Maydi is often called ’the King of Incense’. Maydi is named after the port of Maydh in Sanaag, whence this resin was traditionally shipped.
Maydi is more expensive than carterii, partly because it is in such high demand, but also because the trees are smaller and more inaccessible than carterii trees, so much harder to obtain resins from.
A careful grading distinguishes the larger ’tears’ of maydi incense from the smaller resins. Mushaad is considered top-grade and fetches the highest price, up to 100$/kg; followed by Mujawar, consisting of smaller chunks. These top grades are mostly used for chewing. The third grade is Fas Kabir, often burnt, while the lowest grade, Fas Saghir, is ideal for converting into essential oil. Although each grade is chemically identical, the larger chunks retain more of their essences, which evaporate on the surface of the resin as it dries.
The people of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian peninsula traditionally chew this resin, to freshen their breath, support oral health and restore balance to their bowels. Maydi is more chewable than any other main types of frankincense because it contains no boswellic acids or incensole, which give other frankincenses a bitter, earthy taste. One can chew it for hours: it retains its gumminess and exquisite taste. Each piece has its own flavour. Much of the Maydi is sold in Mecca to pilgrims, who chew it for its ascetic, spiritual lift.
2Mages sells Maydi chewing gum of the Mushaad and Mujawar quality.
Another main destination for Maydi is the church. It is sometimes called Coptic frankincense, because it is the type favoured by the Orthodox Christian church. Maydi is perhaps the only type of frankincense used more as a resin than converted to essential oil.
Because of its low gum content, when burning frereana releases its aromas fast and with little smoke, leaving almost no residue. After a minute, siftings placed on charcoal will have melted away.
Maydi Essential Oil
Perfumers often prize Maydi for its lighter, sweeter character, providing a clear, bright perfume. It provides citrus and resinous notes without the heavy, balmy smell of other frankincense varieties, which people of Christian cultural backgrounds associate with the church. In perfumery it is mostly used as top or middle note, providing brightness that evolves into resinous warmth.
Maydi essential oil has a high percentage (70-85%) of monoterpenes, providing the light, volatile notes, as well as 5-15% of octyl acetate (unique to Maydi frankincense) which give it its sweet, fruity character and 10-20% sesquiterpenes, which provide subtle depth and longevity.
In aromatherapy, Maydi is used to lift spirits, brighten the mood and provide mental clarity and focus.
Maydi essential oil has the same antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities as Moxor (carterii), refreshing mature and damaged skin. It cleanses the respiratory system.
Appearance: Pure Maydi oil is typically pale yellow to golden, sometimes nearly colorless. It’s less viscous than Moxor oil, flowing freely at room temperature.
