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Mastic

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description Mastic Overview

Mastic is a natural resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus chia tree, cultivated almost exclusively on the Greek island of Chios. The resin is harvested by scoring the tree's bark, causing droplets to weep and harden into translucent, teardrop-shaped crystals. It is widely utilized as a flavoring agent in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary applications, including baked goods, ice cream, and traditional distilled spirits like mastika. Mastic holds a Protected Designation of Origin status in the European Union and is valued for its distinct pine-like aroma and historical use in folk medicine.

help Mastic FAQ

What exactly is mastic?

Mastic is a natural resin harvested from the Pistacia lentisca tree. It is typically sold in the form of translucent, teardrop-shaped crystals known as 'tears.'

Where is true mastic primarily grown?

True mastic is grown almost exclusively on the Greek island of Chios. The specific environmental conditions on the southern part of the island are necessary for the trees to 'weep' the usable resin.

How long has mastic been cultivated on Chios?

The cultivation of mastic on the island of Chios dates back over 2,500 years. It was a highly prized commodity in the ancient world for both medicine and oral hygiene.

How is mastic commonly used in modern culinary applications?

In modern cooking, mastic is ground into a powder and used to flavor breads, ice cream, and traditional Greek desserts. It is also famously distilled into mastic liqueur, known as Mastika.

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