Original Chios Mastic – Small Resin Tears 25 g

Original Chios Mastic is a natural, carefully cleaned resin from the Greek island of Chios. The small, pale yellow to almost translucent resin tears come from the mastic tree Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia and are cleaned, packaged and marketed by the Chios Mastiha Growers Association.

This selection consists of small, clean mastic tears of very good quality, virtually free from plant and mineral impurities. Chios mastic is traditionally used in cooking, as a natural chewing gum and as an incense resin.

Genuine mastic from the Greek island of Chios

The mastic tree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It has been cultivated on the island of Chios for centuries to produce its characteristic resin. Traditional mastic production is particularly associated with the Mastichochoria, the mastic villages in the south of the island.

To harvest the resin, small incisions are made in the trunk and branches. The resin that emerges forms small droplets, which gradually harden in the air before being collected and cleaned. This process produces the characteristic pale mastic tears.

Chios mastic is a geographically protected speciality. The protected designation of origin distinguishes genuine Chios mastic from other resins obtained from the mastic tree outside this traditional production area.

Fragrance and aroma of Chios mastic

Chios mastic has an unmistakable fresh, clear and resinous-balsamic aroma. Green, slightly citrusy and subtly pine-like nuances give it its characteristic Mediterranean fragrance.

When burned, the resin initially releases a distinctly noticeable aroma that feels fresher and lighter than heavier, sweeter incense resins. The small resin tears are particularly easy to measure and use sparingly.

Using mastic as an incense resin

Only a few small resin tears are needed for incense burning. They can be placed directly on glowing incense charcoal or slowly warmed above a candle on a suitable incense burner.

Important: Mastic melts relatively quickly when heated. When using an incense burner with a mesh screen, a small metal dish or a piece of aluminium foil is therefore recommended to prevent the liquid resin from dripping through the screen and to make the incense burner easier to clean.

Chios mastic in cooking

Genuine Chios mastic is also traditionally used as an aromatic ingredient in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its characteristic aroma can be found, for example, in sweet dishes, baked goods, ice cream, desserts, beverages and savoury preparations.

As mastic is highly aromatic, a small amount is usually sufficient. For use in recipes, the resin tears can be finely ground together with a little sugar or salt. This helps prevent them from sticking together during grinding.

The small mastic tears can also be chewed traditionally as a natural chewing gum. The initially hard resin gradually softens with the warmth of the mouth, releasing its characteristic aroma.

Product characteristics

• Product: Original Chios Mastic
• Botanical name: Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia
• Plant family: Anacardiaceae
• Origin: Island of Chios, Greece
• Form: small, pale resin tears
• Quality: carefully cleaned, virtually free from impurities
• Fragrance: fresh, resinous, balsamic, slightly citrusy and pine-like
• Fragrance intensity: medium
• Use: cooking, chewing and incense burning
• Net contents: 25 g

Instructions for use

When burning as incense, use only small amounts and place the incense burner on a heat-resistant surface. Never leave burning incense unattended and keep out of reach of children and pets.