Have you ever done or directly seen a traditional ceremony of a certain tribe in Indonesia and smell a very strong aroma from a puff of smoke during the ceremony? The smell, of course, comes from burnt benzoin. Its smoke can also produce a strong smell that feels like it sticks and stays on the things around it.

Benzoin is often used in traditional ceremonies or prayer processes of the tribes in Indonesia and other countries. Besides being an offering, this spice is also used to give more flavor to rolling cigarettes for some people. Aromatherapy oil and medicated oil are two examples of the processed this spices.

Where does benzoin come from and how does the formation process work? Let’s watch “Kemenyan: Rempah yang Mendunia” below to find out the answer!