Mastic gum / Mastiha of Chios (Pistacia lentiscus)

Mastiha is the natural and rare tree resin from mastic tree, which grows only on the island of Chios. Chios’ Mastiha is protected by the European Union as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product. Mastic has numerous beneficial properties, which are known since ancient times. Herodotus has written about it in the 5^th century B.C. Also in Roman times, women used it as breath freshener and teeth whitener. Moreover, Christopher Columbus was astonished by the properties of mastic when he visited the island.

Mastic from Chios can be easily categorized to superfoods, due to its multiple properties. Scientific studies have shown that mastic is a real medicine for the digestive system.Chian mastiha is a natural antioxidant, as it is proven that its consumption reduces blood cholesterol levels. Furthermore, it is suitable for oral hygiene, it has antimicrobial properties and it can be used for skin injuries. Also, mastic is added as an ingredient in pharmaceutical products against hair growth. Mastic oil, which is the essential oil obtained by distillation of the natural gum, is widely used in facial creams, as it is found that regenerates and enhances skin elasticity.

Mastic of Chios has extensive applications and uses. It has been a source of inspiration in the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical and chemical industry and in the production of cosmetics and perfumes. Moreover, mastic can be eaten plane (as a gum) or it can be added in food to give its great flavor. At last, there is a great variety of excellent traditional liquors that contain mastic of Chios.