Mastic, a resin harvested from the mastic tree, is used in cosmetics, baked goods, and chewing gum. Greeks and Middle Easterners have chewed it for centuries for its pleasant smell and potential health benefits. It can be hard to find outside of these regions.
Mastic is a type of resin that is harvested from the tree of the same name. The island of Chios in Greece is particularly famous for its mastic production, although the resin is also harvested in other regions of the Mediterranean. Middle Easterners and Greeks have been using it for centuries in a variety of applications ranging from cosmetics to chewing gum. Many people who experiment with recipes from these regions have probably also noticed that mastic is used as a spice in many traditional foods.
The mastic tree or Pistacia mastic tree is an evergreen tree that produces distinctive red berries. In mid to late summer, growers cut the bark to encourage the tree to start secreting resin. The resin comes out slowly, creating small patches with a vaguely crystalline appearance. Some people call these pieces “tears of Chios” in reference to the fact that they look like tears and are collected on Chios. One of a tree has stopped secreting resin, it is harvested and prepared for sale.
Typically, mastic granules are sold whole and consumers must grind them if they need to be powdered. Ground, it is used in a variety of baked goods for its rich, resinous aroma and licorice-like flavor. It is also used to flavor alcoholic beverages in parts of the Middle East. Ground putty can also be used in cosmetics and various resin products such as paint. Some consumers skip the refinement process and simply chew the crystals, which have a very tough texture.
Mastic chewing is not just recreational. The Greeks have chewed resin granules or young branches for centuries, as visitors to the region have often noted. Putty has been consumed to freshen breath with its pleasant smell, but scientific research suggests that it also reduces bacteria in the mouth and may remove dental plaque. The resin also appears to have antifungal properties.
Outside of Greece and the Middle East, whole crystals can sometimes be found. Some specialty stores also sell it as a spice or mastic-flavored chewing gum for people who want to enjoy the health benefits and sweet smell. In regions without a sizable Greek or Middle Eastern community, it can be hard to find, but you should be able to order it through retailers willing to ship this plant product.
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