What Is Chios Mastic Gum?
Mastic gum, known in Greek as mastiha, is the natural resin of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia), a small evergreen tree of the pistachio family. Although the mastic tree grows around the Mediterranean, only the trees in the south of the Greek island of Chios produce mastic resin in quantity. Chios mastiha is protected as a product of designated origin in the European Union.
Every summer, growers make small cuts in the bark of the trees. The sap slowly drips out, falls onto the cleaned ground below and hardens in the sun into pale yellow, translucent drops called tears. The tears are then collected by hand, cleaned and sorted. It is a slow, traditional craft that has been practiced on Chios for more than two thousand years.
Mastic gum has a fresh, pine-like and slightly sweet aroma with a hint of cedar. It is the original chewing gum of the ancient world: when chewed, the tears soften into a natural, flavorful gum. In Greek and Middle Eastern cooking, ground mastic flavors tsoureki Easter bread, ice cream, puddings, Turkish delight and liqueurs. It is also burned as a fragrant incense.
Our mastic gum contains only natural mastic resin tears. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Chios Mastic Gum
- Chewing: Chew 2 to 3 small tears. They break apart at first and then turn into a soft, natural gum.
- Baking and desserts: Freeze the tears for 10 minutes, then grind them with a pinch of sugar using a mortar and pestle. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in bread dough, puddings or ice cream.
- Drinks: Add a little ground mastic to coffee, hot milk or syrups for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Incense: Place a few tears on a charcoal disc or electric resin burner.
Safety
Avoid if you are allergic to pistachio or other plants of the Anacardiaceae family. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to use Chios mastic gum: our complete guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mastic gum and mastiha?
There is no difference. Mastiha is the Greek name for mastic gum, the resin of the mastic tree from Chios.
Which tree does mastic gum come from?
It comes from Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, the mastic tree, a relative of the pistachio tree.
Can I chew mastic gum?
Yes. Mastic is the original natural chewing gum. Chew a few tears until they soften.
How do I grind mastic for baking?
Freeze the tears briefly, then grind them with a little sugar or salt so they do not stick to the mortar.
How should I store mastic gum?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Warmth can make the tears sticky.
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