Add a sprinkle of mastic to your everyday life

Mastic, also known as ‘tears of Chios,’ is produced on the Greek island of Chios. The island's trees 'weep' this natural plant resin droplet, creating magical tears.

Mastic has been harvested for at least 2,500 years since Greek antiquity.

The first mention of actual mastic 'tears' was by Greek physician Hippocrates, who is often referred to as the 'Father of Medicine'. Hippocrates used mastic to prevent digestive problems and colds and as a breath freshener.

Long known for its numerous health benefits, mastic is a natural ingredient with multiple uses that can be incorporated into a daily routine.

Whether used for cooking sweet or savoury foods, chewing gum, eating delicious creations, or body products, the ingredient has come a long way, from the inside of a strong tree on the Greek Island of Chios to the shelves of stores worldwide.

The health benefits of mastic include, but are not limited to:

• Relief of digestive issues
• Positive effect on cholesterol levels
• Prevention of cavities
• Easing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
• Boosting oral hygiene

The wide range of health benefits provided by mastic is why this natural ingredient has been used in a variety of products to fit perfectly into one's everyday life. When deciding where to find a dose of mastic, whether it be for its distinct flavour or numerous health benefits, there are many forms to choose from.

Sprinkle mastic in your next home-cooked meal

Mastic has been used in traditional Greek foods for centuries. The special ingredient is used in baked items such as Tsoureki, a type of Greek Easter bread, to decadent desserts bursting with flavour. In modern times, mastic powder is used more commonly around the globe as chefs add a dash of it to create a whole new burst of flavour.  Mastic can be used in small quantities in sweet and savoury meals; it tastes best when paired with salt or sugar to control the flavour. When choosing sweet options, mastic works best with ice creams, custards and tarts. Savoury options include using mastic as seasoning for meats and poultry, marinades, and olive oils.

Mastic ice cream is the Greek equivalent of vanilla ice cream. It is uniquely flavoured and provides consistency, unlike any other flavour. Mastic ice cream stands out from regular ice cream due to its intense creaminess and intriguing elasticity. So, when deciding to dive into mastic ice cream, one can expect to lick it and chew it. 

Apply mastic to your skincare routine.

Aside from its delicious properties, mastic is also a natural remedy for skincare. It is used in face and body products and has magical properties that leave individuals with a refreshed and clear complexion.

In ancient times, mastic was used in luxury soaps and skincare creams made solely for upper-class women. In modern days, the resin is known to assist with cleansing skin, reducing signs of ageing, boosting collagen formation, and minimising the appearance of large pores. This popular resin also provides a wide range of advantages because it has no known association with skin irritation or allergy.

Chewing gum

For centuries, mastic has been known for its oral health benefits, which is why this resin is the perfect ingredient in chewing gum. Its unique flavour provides a difference to everyday gum, and its accruing benefits should leave no question when deciding which chewing gum to choose. These benefits include protecting dental health, reducing stomach pain and heartburn and preventing cavities.

Overall, mastic is a natural and powerful resin that can easily be included in various aspects of one's life, either as a go-to chewing gum to curb a sweet craving or by lathering on with one's next skincare routine. Its unique flavour and associated health benefits make the magical mastic from Chios one item to look out for on the next shopping trip.

Read more about mastic on Greek City Times

Exploring Chios, a beautiful and untouched Greek island

The magic of Chios mastiha