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1
Is the botanical name of the tree stated?
A label that says only "agarwood" does not tell you which species the wood comes from. The Korean Food Code lists two botanical names for agarwood as a food ingredient: Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. and Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. Check that the botanical name appears on the product or its ingredient documents.
Where to look · Ingredient list on the package, import declaration, certificate of origin
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2
Can the origin and source of the raw material be documented?
Choose products that can show where, and by whom, the raw material was grown. Check whether the producer has its own farm, keeps a record for each tree, and holds certificates to support this.
Where to look · Farm organic certificate, production history, or ask the seller about the source
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3
How was the oil extracted?
Agarwood oil for food use is generally obtained by steam distillation, which draws out the compounds with steam. When a solvent such as alcohol is used, other solvent-soluble substances are extracted along with the agarwood resin.
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4
Do you know what "agarwood content" means?
The agarwood content on a label usually refers to agarwood powder. Agarwood powder is made by grinding whole resinous wood, so its amount is not the same as the amount of agarwood resin it contains.
When choosing a food made with agarwood, distinguish powder content from resin (essential oil) content, and look at how much of the other ingredients it contains.
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5
Are the tree's age and maturation period known?
For resin to form fully, the tree must be mature, and the resin needs a long time to settle after induction. Products that state how old the tree was and when it was harvested are more trustworthy.
Daeracheon · Trees grown for 20+ years, with 5+ years of resin formation, harvested at 25 years or older
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6
Are the international trade documents in order?
The genus Aquilaria, to which agarwood trees belong, is listed in CITES Appendix II, so trade between countries requires a CITES permit from the exporting country. For imported raw material, check that it went through the proper procedures.
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7
Is the scent unusually strong at room temperature?
Before it is warmed, agarwood has a subtle scent. Among the bracelets, crafts and chips often sold at travel destinations, pieces with a very strong scent at room temperature may be wood without resin that has been coated with artificial fragrance.
Whether a piece sinks in water is also a clue. Agarwood rich in resin sinks, but cultivated agarwood often does not, so do not judge authenticity by this alone.