Heidi Norton
Incense is a popular way to fill your home with a gorgeous aroma. But can it go bad? The answer is a little complicated. While incense doesn't spoil like fresh food, it can deteriorate over time, especially if it's not stored correctly. Incense that's been exposed to heat, light, or moisture can lose its fragrance, burn less effectively, or even develop an unpleasant odour. However, some incense, particularly those with resinous ingredients like agarwood, can improve with age as their scents mellow out. Ultimately, the longevity of your incense depends on its type and quality, as well as how it's stored.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expiry | Incense does not have an expiry date but can weaken with age due to oxidation of ingredients and evaporation of oils. |
| Shelf Life | Incense has a shelf life and will eventually go stale. |
| Preservation | Incense should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent mould. |
| Storage | Incense can be stored in its original packaging or any airtight container that allows for air circulation. |
| Quality | Higher-quality incense may last longer or even improve with age, while cheaper varieties may weaken after a couple of years. |
| Fragrance | Incense fragrances can become entangled if stored together, resulting in a strange smell. |
| Ingredients | Incense made with organic matter without charcoal is more prone to rot and mould growth. Charcoal has antimicrobial properties and acts as a preservative. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense storage
Incense can be stored in a variety of containers, depending on the type of incense and personal preference. Here are some options for incense storage:
Containers for Incense Sticks and Cones:
- Airtight containers: These can be made of plastic or glass and help prevent scents from leaking out. Transparent containers are especially useful as they allow you to see your incense collection.
- Mason jars: These glass jars are great for storing incense, and you can even clip the brand and scent information to the jar for easy identification.
- Vacuum-sealed bags: Customizing zip bags with a vacuum sealer can save space while still providing some level of aroma protection.
- Glass tubes: Small glass tubes, such as test tubes, are perfect for Japanese incense sticks and can be stored in cardboard boxes.
- Incense storage boxes: Wooden or decorative boxes designed specifically for storing incense sticks and cones. Some boxes feature intricate designs, such as elephant patterns.
Containers for Loose Incense:
- Glass, ceramic jars, or tins: Loose incense can be stored in various containers to prevent spillage and maintain aroma.
- Unglazed ceramic vessels: Perfect for storing homemade kneaded incense.
- Glass jars: For resins harvested from the woods, glass jars are ideal once they are dry enough.
- Open wood boxes: If resins are still sticky, open wood boxes can help cure them.
- Cotton bags: Little cotton bags are great for hanging and storing resins.
Additionally, some general tips for incense storage include:
- Keep incense in a dark drawer or dry location away from harsh elements like heat, light, and moisture.
- Store incense separately to prevent fragrances from mixing and potentially creating strange smells.
- Charcoal can act as a preservative, so incense containing charcoal may have a longer shelf life.
- Incense with high oil content may dry out and become less fragrant over time.
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Incense shelf life
Incense does not spoil in the same way that perishable food items do, but it can go stale and lose its potency over time. Incense is delicate, and the key to prolonging its shelf life is proper storage. It is best to keep incense in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight and any heat sources. Exposure to heat and humidity can cause the fragrance to deteriorate and increase the likelihood of mould growth.
Incense should also be stored separately to prevent the fragrances from mixing and turning strange. It is recommended to keep them in their original packaging, but any airtight container that allows for air circulation and easy access will do. Some people opt for wrapping incense in paper or cloth before placing it in an airtight box or container, while others use small airtight bags or jars for storage. Paulownia wood boxes are also popular because the wood swells and creates a seal when there is moisture in the atmosphere.
The longevity of incense depends on its type and quality. Cheaper varieties tend to lose noticeable quality within a couple of years, while higher-quality incense may last longer or even improve with age. Incense made with temple flowers tends to have a shorter shelf life of about a year. Wet masala sticks, which leave an oily residue, are more prone to fungal or mould growth over time. On the other hand, resin-heavy incense, such as those containing agarwood, may improve with age as the initially acrid scent mellows out.
While incense does not become rancid, incorrect storage can cause its ingredients to spoil and develop an unpleasant odour. If your incense has a funky smell, it is best to discard it.
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Incense ingredients
Incense is usually made from natural materials such as sage, resins, oils, and wood. However, incense makers have started to add more materials to enhance their fragrance, improve their ability to burn, and hold incense blend materials together. These additional ingredients can include texture-improving additives, smoothening agents, and stabilizers.
Some incense sticks are heavily oil-laden and can dry out over time, becoming less fragrant. Incense with less oil is less likely to spoil in this way. However, incense does not spoil in the same way that fresh food does. It does not become rancid or mouldy, although this can occur in climates with high humidity or when organic matter is included without charcoal, which has antimicrobial and preservative properties.
Incense made with temple flowers has an expiration date of about a year. Wet masala sticks are also more prone to fungal or mould growth over time. Incense stored correctly, in a dry, dark place, and away from heat, light, and moisture, can last a long time—even improving with age. Some resin-heavy incense, such as those containing agarwood, can improve with age as the wood can smell acrid when first harvested, and this scent mellows over time.
The smoke released by burning incense contains particulate matter that can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. Studies have found that incense smoke is a major indoor pollutant that contributes to cellular toxicity and can cause oxidative stress. It has also been associated with an increased risk of asthma, cancer, and heart disease.
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Incense cones
Like all types of incense, cones are a smoke-emitting substance. This means that they can pose health risks, especially if used in excess or in small spaces. The smoke released by burning incense cones contains particulate matter, which can be easily inhaled and may have negative health effects. These particles can accumulate in the respiratory system, causing airway dysfunction and potentially leading to respiratory diseases such as asthma. The particulate matter in incense smoke also contains irritants and carcinogens, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, especially in the upper respiratory tract and lungs.
However, it is important to note that the health risks associated with incense cone use depend on various factors, including the frequency of use, the ingredients, and the ventilation of the space. High-quality natural incense cones, when used in moderation and with proper ventilation, are likely to pose minimal health risks. For example, a 2023 study of 61,000 people in Singapore found that incense use in normal amounts resulted in a very small, if any, increased risk of cancer.
To minimise any potential health risks associated with incense cone use, it is recommended to use them occasionally and in well-ventilated spaces. It is also important to choose high-quality incense cones made from natural ingredients and to avoid those containing toxic perfumes or synthetic ingredients.
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Incense and humidity
The humidity of the environment in which incense is burned can have a significant impact on the fragrance it produces. Water vapour in the air competes with fragrant molecules for space, affecting our olfactory system. This results in a change in how we perceive the scent of the incense.
A study on the burning of incense sticks found that humidity has a greater influence on the combustibility of incense than temperature. In environments with high humidity, incense sticks take longer to burn, and the fragrance has to compete with water vapour, causing it to fall more quickly. Conversely, in dry environments, the fragrance evaporates more quickly, and our noses also become less sensitive to smells.
The type of incense stick can also play a role in how humidity affects its burning properties. Incense sticks made with halmaddi resin and honey, which are hydrophilic, will burn slower in humid environments as they absorb water from the air. Additionally, resins like myrrh and frankincense, which contain large, water-soluble gum parts, can also react to changes in humidity.
In terms of storage, incense is best kept in a controlled environment with moderate temperature, humidity, and light. Wooden boxes that many Japanese incense rolls come in are designed to self-seal in the event of high humidity, making them ideal for reuse. Airtight containers, such as high-grade plastic boxes, are also recommended for storing incense to maintain optimal humidity levels.
Overall, achieving a "Goldilocks" level of humidity is key when burning incense. Too much or too little humidity can impact the fragrance and our perception of it.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense does not go rancid or spoil, but it can weaken with age due to oxidation of ingredients and evaporation of oils. Incense that is not stored correctly may develop an unpleasant odour and should be thrown away.
Trust your nose! If your incense has developed a funky smell, it has likely gone bad due to incorrect storage or exposure to moisture.
The longevity of incense depends on its type and quality. Cheaper varieties may become noticeably weaker after a couple of years, while higher-quality incense may last longer or even improve with age.
To prevent your incense from going bad, it is essential to store it correctly. Keep your incense in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. You can store your incense in its original packaging or any airtight container that allows for air circulation and easy access.
