The Resin of the Gods
Masticha, also known as mastic, is a precious resin harvested from the mastic trees of Chios, an island in the South Aegean. This unique product, often called “the tears of Chios,” has been prized for its medicinal and culinary uses since ancient times. Mastic trees grow exclusively in southern Chios, where the specific climate and soil conditions allow them to produce the resin.
The harvesting process is a labor-intensive one, involving small incisions made in the tree bark, from which the resin slowly drips and solidifies. Once collected, the mastic resin is cleaned and used in various forms, from powders to oils.
Masticha has a distinct flavor—slightly sweet, with pine and herbal notes—that makes it a prized ingredient in Greek cuisine. It is used to flavor liquors, such as Mastiha liqueur, and is a key component in traditional sweets like loukoumia (Greek Turkish delight) and ice creams. Beyond its culinary uses, masticha is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly for its role in aiding digestion and oral health.
Protected by the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, Masticha from Chios is a symbol of the island’s identity and a unique flavor of the South Aegean. It continues to be cherished both in Greece and worldwide for its versatility and natural healing properties.
