Genuine Chios Mastic – Small Resin Tears, 25 g

This genuine Chios mastic comes from the Greek island of Chios. It is cleaned, packed and marketed by the island’s mastic growers’ association, guaranteeing its origin, authenticity and quality. These carefully selected small resin tears are highly pure and practically free from impurities.

Chios mastic is the natural resin of the mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia. Valued since ancient times for its distinctive aroma, it is traditionally used in cooking, as a natural chewing gum and as an aromatic incense resin.

Genuine mastic from the island of Chios

Mastic is obtained by making fine incisions in the trunk and branches of the mastic tree. The resin slowly flows from the tree in droplets before hardening into the characteristic pale tears of Chios mastic.

The name Chios Mastiha refers to a product closely associated with its geographical origin and with the island’s traditional cultivation and harvesting methods. This product consists of high-quality small mastic tears suitable for both aromatic and culinary use.

Fragrance and flavour of Chios mastic

Chios mastic has a fresh, clean and immediately recognisable aroma. Its fragrance profile combines resinous and balsamic notes with green, gently citrus-like and subtly woody nuances.

When heated as an incense resin, it releases a bright, clean Mediterranean fragrance. Its aroma is noticeable without being as heavy or dark as that of some other natural resins.

Using mastic as an incense resin

Only a few small mastic tears are needed to scent a room. They can be placed on burning charcoal or heated more gently in a suitable incense burner, particularly one fitted with a mesh screen.

Mastic melts quickly when exposed to heat. When using a mesh burner, place the resin in a small metal dish or on a piece of aluminium foil. This helps collect the melted resin and keeps the burner clean.

Culinary uses

This mastic is food grade. It is traditionally used in Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking to flavour pastries, desserts, ice cream, drinks and certain savoury dishes.

Its aroma is highly concentrated, so mastic should be used sparingly. To make the tears easier to grind, they can be crushed with a small quantity of sugar or salt, depending on the recipe. This prevents the resin from sticking together during grinding.

Product details

• Product: genuine Chios mastic
• Product type: natural mastic resin
• Botanical name: Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia
• Origin: island of Chios, Greece
• Form: small resin tears
• Quality: carefully cleaned and practically free from impurities
• Uses: cooking, chewing and incense burning
• Fragrance profile: fresh, resinous, balsamic and gently citrus-like
• Fragrance intensity: medium
• Contents: 25 g

Directions for use

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