Healthy Gum Mastic 'Masticha' - Unique to Chios

‘Tears’, see picture, are formed by making incisions in the trunk and main branches - in Greek this is called kentima or 'embroidery'. The method of production and harvesting is still very traditional; the villagers of the region collect and clean by hand each tear of resin in their homes. The local co-operative will organise transfer to the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association for final processing and packaging as tears or for other products.

Mastic has a unique taste, which may at first seem rather unpleasant. However, since the 5th century BC there is evidence that mastic was used as a medicine and chewed to whiten teeth. Roman women were said to use mastic ‘toothpicks’ and when Chios was inhabited by the Ottoman Turks mastic gum spread to the East and became very popular in the harems.

These days it is possible to buy a variety of foodstuffs flavoured with masticha, not all of which should be recommended to first timers, but mastic chewing gum and candy are a safe start! A vast range of cosmetics and perfumes using mastic products is available. Of more interest, is that scientists through the ages have discovered that mastic is not only good for dental health but also helps ulcers, diabetes, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, increases immune reactions and may also be effective against cancer. Those who extol the virtues of alcohol (in small doses, of course) may or may not be pleased with masticha ouzo and the new masticha liqueur!

For more information on the production process and the history of Mastic, please check the links below.