(Μαστίχα Χίου, Chios mastiha)
Masticha Chiou is a traditional product made for many years exclusively on the island of Chios in Mastichochoria or the so-called 'mastic villages'. It is a resin obtained from the mastic tree of Pistacia lentiscus kind.
It is known as the 'tears of Chios' because it is produced in tear-shaped droplets. It was so important during the Ottoman rule that penalty for stealing mastic was execution and in the 1822 Chios Massacre, it was a product that saved the lives of the people of the Mastichochoria region in exchange for providing the sultan's harem with mastic.
The production of this rare product is quite expensive and as a result, many imitations are marketed, but only the Chios trees can produce Masticha of such a characteristic aroma, taste and health benefits. Unfortunately in 2012, almost 30% of masticha trees were lost in a fire. Read more
Mastic is dried in the sun in pieces of translucent resin. The flavor is bitter at first, but afterwards, it releases a refreshing flavor described as pine or cedar-like. Mastic has been used as a medicine since antiquity because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It was used as a remedy for snakebites or as a filling for dental cavities and nowadays, some new studies even claim that it can cure peptic ulcers. In Greece, mastic is used in mastic liqueurs such as Mastichato, in sweets known as ypovríchio or 'submarine' and many other desserts, bread and cookies.
As a spice, just a few crystals can make every dish taste special.
Best Masticha Chiou
