Mastic

Common Name

Mastic resin comes from the Greek island of Chios, birth place of Homer and at one time ruled by the Venetians, the Genoeses, and the Turks. One of the first records of mastic was around the 5th century when according to legend the trees began to cry when the patron saint of Chios was tortured by the Romans.

The first so-called chewing gum, mastic has been used for over 2,500 years. The word mastic literally means "to chew" in Latin. Mastic is a hard resin that seeps out of an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean. In the summer, small cuts are made in the bark of Pistacia lentiscus, where by mastic then seeps out in the shape of tear drops.

Liquid at first, the translucent, pale yellow, green or ivory 'tears' harden and are collected, rinsed and dried. Smelling softly of pine, mastic has a refreshing taste with woody undertones.

The Genoeses were the first to realize the commercial potential of mastic and by 1566 the Ottoman Empire had created an administrative region with direct ties to Istanbul for all villages that produced mastic. During the Turks rule, thieves suspected of stealing mastic were subjected to everything from being hung to having their noses cut off.

The island of Chios is the only place in the world that produces mastic tears. Attempts to cultivate mastic elsewhere have all failed. Experts believe this may be attributed to the unique geology of Chios.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Although mastic may not be a cure for cholera, as originally believed by Christopher Columbus, it does have numerous health benefits. Apparently chewing mastic can do wonders for your oral health; it is said to be a natural anti-bacterial, may cure halitosis and helps reduce plaque. Mastic is used in adhesive for bandages and has been found to have positive effects on ulcers and stomach cancer.

Historically, mastic has been used to:

• As an anti-bacterial agent
• Aid digestion
• Lower cholesterol
• As an anti-oxidant
• Relieve heartburn

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Mastic is popular in Greece and Turkey as a flavor for certain liqueurs. Elsewhere mastic is used in the preparation and/or flavoring of ice cream ice cream, sauces, soups, cakes, breads, and is even used as a binding agent.  Food for thought:

• Work a dash of sugar into a small amount of mastic and add to your dish
• Add a little mastic to fruit salad
• Add mastic to yogurt or cream
• Add mastic to cake, breads or cookie recipes
• Add a touch of mastic to seafood marinade

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