Palo Santo yes, but QUALITY! 5 tricks to recognize and buy the best Palo Santo

If you have been using Palo Santo , even for a short time, you have surely already discovered that there are many varieties available on the market, and you will have noticed that the quality of the product can vary greatly , as well as the many variables of origin and treatment of the product, the Bursera graveolens wood, that you are buying.

You should know, however, that using a high-quality Palo Santo is essential to guaranteeing you a satisfying, authentic, and even healthy smoking experience!

So, how do you figure out which Palo Santo is the best among all the varieties you find on the market?

Here are the 5 most useful techniques to quickly identify the best quality.

1. THE COLOR
   The color of Palo Santo is an essential indicator of its quality and origin.
   For example, wood from Ecuador generally has a straw tone, while wood from Peru tends to be more golden.
   Our advice: Avoid pieces that are too dark, because they may have been extracted from less valuable parts of the plant, but also those that are too light, which are usually used for engravings and jewelry, because they have a less intense scent.
   
   
2. THE MATURATION
   The maturation of Palo Santo is a crucial process , which goes beyond simple aging. This careful maturation is a tribute to the wisdom of nature and respect for the life cycle of the tree.
   When a Palo Santo tree falls to the ground, it begins a period of transformation that leads to the creation of a truly extraordinary incense. During the years of maturation, the wood hardens and the resin slowly begins to permeate every fiber , giving Palo Santo its distinctive fragrance.
   This delicate process, which takes at least 3 years, is essential to ensure the highest quality and intensity of aroma. It is a process that cannot be accelerated or artificially replicated, as it requires patience and dedication.
   Our advice: obviously, always choose Palo Santo that has lived its natural life cycle to the full and has undergone the maturation process. It is an ethical approach towards the plant, its ecosystem, the local communities that work in a traditional way, and – last but not least – also towards yourself, who will use a healthy, ethical product of the best quality.
   
   
3. THE SMOKE
   Well yes, even the type of smoke that comes from your Palo Santo stick says a lot about the quality of the wood it comes from.
   The smoke of quality Palo Santo must be white : this indicates that the wood has been seasoned correctly. If the smoke is black, it means that it contains too much sap and has not been treated properly.
   Our advice : to improve the quality of the smoke, you can dry the wood on a radiator for a day or two. Remember: for a perfect lighting, do not leave the Palo Santo burning. Instead, create an ember, lighting the wood for a few seconds at a time. The difference will amaze you!
   
   
4. THE SMELL OF RESIN
   Here we really get to the lifeblood, in its purest sense. It is in fact the resin, which – thanks to the maturation process of the tree, which we were talking about before – has had time to impregnate the wood perfectly, that gives us the essential indicator of the quality of the Palo Santo that you have just lit.
   When rubbed between your hands, the stick should release a light but persistent scent. If the scent is faint or absent, this could indicate a low-quality product or improperly stored wood.
   Our advice: The scent counts! The typical scent of Palo Santo should be characterized by a rich and enveloping aroma. Dip your nose into the (unlit!) sticks and let yourself be inebriated by the aroma of the most ancient sacred tradition.
   
   
5. THE CERTIFICATIONS
   When you buy natural incense like Palo Santo it is important to trust those who, like us, use only certified raw materials. This will guarantee that the product is free from pesticides and other harmful treatments.
   All our Palo Santo incenses are 100% natural and their safety is guaranteed by smoke analyses carried out in Italian laboratories.
   Our advice: Choosing certified products will allow you to burn incense with peace of mind , knowing that you have just breathed in a safe, high-quality product.

These 5 simple tips will change your Palo Santo fumigation experience dramatically!

When you choose a brand that is committed to the quality and integrity of its products, you choose a product that is respectful of the environment and your health.

And that makes all the difference.