“A tear that pleases, perfumes, relieves and heals.”
Chios Mastic is a
natural, aromatic resin in teardrop shape produced from the mastic tree (pistacia lentiscus var. chia) only growing in the southern part of Chios Island. Nowadays, mastic has been recognised internationally as a Product of Protected Designation of Origin. Mastic in fact is first mentioned by Herodotus, who refers to its usage in embalming. In Roman times, women used it to freshen their breath and whiten their teeth. Christopher Columbus himself was astonished by the properties of mastic when he visited the island. He actually believed that mastic was the cure against cholera!
While enjoying your trip to Chios, welcome the opportunity to participate in the mastic production process, which has remained practically unchanged through the years. The uniqueness of the product is attributed not only to a deep-rooted tradition in cultivation, but also to certain soil and weather conditions that favour mastic tree’s survival.
Mastic production is a family affair in Chios, which requires hard work all year long. In December growers start to fertilize the lentisks. Around mid-January and in February they prune lower branches to give a specific shape to the tree. From mid-June to the beginning of July the ground around the trees is cleaned of weeds and stones and then it’s covered with a thin layer of white sand, which helps the resins harden and remain clean. “Kéntima”, meaning the carving of small scars on the lentisk’s bark (begins in July and goes on throughout August), is the most crucial stage in mastic production. With a small sharp iron tool with grooved ends, called “kentitíri”, the growers make small cuts on the tree’s trunk and branches, out of which the resins will come out. Mastic starts solidifying within 15-20 days from the first carving. Firstly the larger mastic chunks are gathered, the co-called “pítes”. The rest is gathered with the help of “brooms” or by hand. Mastic is then put into wooden boxes and stored in cool places where it will be diligently cleaned. Then the total production is being assembled, processed, packaged and finally placed to the market by the Gum Mastic Grower's Association.
Miracle mastic
Mastic appears to have myriad applications ranging from the medicinal to the functional, including use as a stabilizer in paints and making varnishes, especially for musical instruments. It has been used in the production of tires, aromatic soaps, insecticides and electrical insulators. Frankincense is produced from gum mastic and rosin, and it has been used in the tanning, weaving and beekeeping industries.
Mastic has been used in dentistry as a filling and in industry in varnishes for metal and paintings. In Arabia, water jars were perfumed with mastic smoke, while in ancient Egypt mastic was used as an embalming agent.
Besides being used in toothpaste, chewing gum and confectionery, mastic is an ingredient in the making of liqueurs. A Greek grape spirit, mastiha, is flavoured with the resin. Mastic is also found in recipes for breads and pastries, ice creams, sweet puddings, almond cake and the traditional Greek spoon sweets (gliká tou koutalioú).
Stimulant and diuretic, mastic was widely used medicinally in the past and chewed to neutralise foul breath. Compound mastic paint is a plastic substance painted as a sealant over wounds. It is thought to have anti-microbial properties. The Gum Mastic Grower's Association lists over 60 uses for mastic including its use in the treatment of duodenal ulcers, heartburn, its anti-cancer properties and extolling its aphrodisiac effects.
Finally, cosmetic skin care methods comprise applying to the skin compositions containing gum mastic. The inventive compositions provide control of sebum secretion from sebocytes, improved oil control and improved skin feel, prevent shine and stickiness, while also providing anti-aging benefits which results in reduced appearance of wrinkles and aged skin, improved skin color, treatment of photoaged skin, improvement in skin's radiance and clarity and finish, and an overall healthy and youthful appearance of the skin.
