Greek Chios Mastic Gum 25g - 150g Resin Tears Masticha Mastiha

Origin :Greece (Chios Island)

MASTIC GUM OF CHIOS

Mastic is a natural resin that comes from an evergreen small tree (large shrub) which is cultivated successfully in the island of Chios, in the Eastern Aegean Sea.

This evergreen tree called Schinos, belongs to the family of Pistachia. (Botanical name: Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia) The average growth of the tree usually ranges from 1.5m (5 feet) to 3,5m (11 feet) tall and it begins to produce mastic at the age of 5 to 6 years old. This tree after about  15 years could give 60-250gr of its resin which is called mastic. In exceptional cases very large trees can produce 400gr of mastic or even a bit more. This amazing tree thrives only in the South part of Chios Island. In South Chios we find 24 villages that deal with mastic tree growing and production.

Different names used for mastic are: Mastic, mastiha, mastika, masticha, mastica mastix etc.

Since 1997, Chios mastiha has been identified as Protected Designation of Origin product (PDO) and has been registered in the relevant community list.

Mastic has many useful qualities and uses.

It absorbs cholesterol,

 

it has antibacterial properties,

 

acts as an oral antiseptic,

 

aids digestion, tightens the gums,

 

heals wounds and

 

scientists recently discovered that when it is administrated even in small doses it cures stomach ulcers.