Oman: Wadi Dawkah Frankincense Trees
The sultanate of Oman came to its medieval riches through slave trade, but long before that it was frankincense that was exported from Omani Dhofar region to Europe and China for centuries. Frankincense is a aromatic hardened sap of gnarly trees that grow in high mountains and are tapped to “milk” them. Depending on tapping time and process, the the quality and aroma will vary and frankincense is strictly graded into categories. It was known to ancient Egyptians and is prominently mentioned in the Bible and was brought to Europe by crusaders. About an hour drive north inland from Salalah in Oman you can visit a vast frankincense plantation, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk among the trees, some even in bloom.
