Mastiha (or mastic gum) is an ancient, aromatic, and therapeutic resin that has been treasured for millennia. Obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree, this unique natural product, often called the "tears of Chios," is gaining modern recognition as a superfood due to its exceptional health properties, some of which may contribute to a long and healthy life.
The Exclusive Origin: The Island of Chios
The mastic tree is an evergreen shrub that grows throughout the Mediterranean, but it is only in the southern part of the Greek island of Chios that the trees consistently produce the coveted, aromatic resin. The specific microclimate, volcanic soil, and centuries of specialized cultivation techniques in 24 "Mastihohoria" (mastic villages) are believed to be the reasons for this unique phenomenon. This exclusivity has earned Chios Mastiha Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status within the European Union.
The Labor of Love: Cultivation and Harvest
The cultivation of mastiha is a labor-intensive, year-round process and a vital part of the local cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The main harvesting period runs from June to September. The process, known as "kentima" (incission), involves:
- Preparation: The ground around the tree trunk is weeded, leveled, and covered with white limestone powder to create a clean surface for collection.
- Incisions: Shallow cuts are made in the bark of the trunk and main branches using an iron tool.
- Collection: The resin bleeds from these cuts as a sap and hardens into teardrop-shaped crystals over 15 to 20 days.
- Cleaning: The dried "tears" are manually collected, sifted, and meticulously washed by family members, traditionally women, to remove impurities—a time-consuming social activity in the villages.
Medicinal Health Properties: A Natural Superfood
Mastiha has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,500 years, with Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommending it for digestive issues and colds. Modern scientific research supports many of these traditional uses, highlighting its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Key health benefits include:
- Digestive Health: Mastiha is an approved traditional herbal medicine by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for mild dyspeptic (indigestion) disorders. It is well known for fighting Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers, gastritis, and certain gastric cancers.
- Oral Hygiene: Chewing mastic gum naturally disinfects the mouth, reduces microbial plaque buildup by inhibiting bacterial growth (including Streptococcus species), and helps prevent cavities and gum issues.
- Cardiometabolic Health: Studies suggest that mastiha may help lower total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: Mastiha contains numerous bioactive compounds, including triterpenes and phenolic compounds, that exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, helping to combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation which are underlying causes of many age-related diseases.
- Skin and Wound Healing: Applied topically, mastiha is used in ointments for minor skin inflammations, burns, and wound healing, due to its regenerative and antimicrobial properties.
While no single food guarantees longevity, consuming mastiha supports overall wellness through mechanisms that directly address factors of aging and disease. By reducing inflammation, providing powerful antioxidants, improving gut microbiota diversity, and supporting cardiovascular and liver health, mastiha helps normalize cell function and protect against chronic disease, thus potentially contributing to a longer, healthier life.
A World of Mastiha Products
Mastiha's unique piney, earthy, and citrusy flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in numerous products.
- Culinary: Used as a spice in traditional Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine, it flavors festive breads, brioches, biscuits, ice cream (like kaimaki), and the traditional "vanilla submarine" spoon sweet.
- Beverages: It is the key ingredient in a popular sweet liqueur (mastiha liqueur or mastichato), often served as a digestive, and is used to flavor ouzo, arak, coffee, and tea.
- Health & Wellness: Available as natural chewing gum, capsules, or powder supplements for internal health, and as an ingredient in cosmetics, soaps, toothpastes, and mouthwashes for external use.
- Industrial: It is also used in high-grade varnishes for musical instruments and in surgical filaments that can be absorbed by the body
Click here to browse a variety of Mastiha products!