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Discover the Mastiha Wonders of Chios Island, Greece

Lauren Newman07 mins

The Unique Story of Mastiha from iBestTravel

Mastiha, a rare natural resin extracted from the lentisc tree, is an extraordinary product that is found only on the Greek island of Chios. This mystical substance has garnered renewed interest not just for its medicinal properties but also for its unique flavor profile, which has made waves in the culinary world.

What is Mastiha?

Mastiha is an aromatic resin obtained through a meticulous cultivation process. It is cherished for its distinctive flavor and potential health benefits, making it a sought-after ingredient in various products ranging from liqueurs to desserts.

The Cultivation Process

The production of Mastiha involves a carefully orchestrated process:

  • Weeding the area around the tree to ensure cleanliness.
  • Creating a limestone “table” to catch the falling resin.
  • Making surface incisions once the resin has congealed, allowing it to drip down.

This labor-intensive method is what lends Mastiha its unique qualities and explains its high market value.

Economic Impact

The Mastiha-producing regions, particularly the village of Pyrgi, have historically thrived due to the trade of this resin. Pyrgi has been one of the wealthiest villages in the Mediterranean, contributing significantly to the local economy through Mastiha exports.

Cultural Significance

The cultural heritage linked to Mastiha is rich and significant. The villages known as “Mastihohoria,” where the lentisc trees are cultivated, have maintained this tradition for centuries. The architecture and local customs reflect a deep connection to the resin, enhancing the uniqueness of the region.

Diverse Uses of Mastiha

Mastiha is utilized in a variety of products:

  • Mastiha Liqueur: This specialty liquor is renowned for its unique taste.
  • Confectionery: The soft “submarine,” a mastiha fondant, is especially popular among children.
  • Cocktails: Award-winning mixologists creatively incorporate Mastiha into innovative cocktails.

Mastiha in Modern Healthcare

Mastiha is not only loved for its culinary uses, but it is also respected for its potential healing properties. Recognized as a traditional herbal medicine by the European Medicines Agency, Mastiha continues to be a subject of scientific research for its health benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mastiha from iBestTravel is a fascinating product that encapsulates a unique story of tradition, culture, and modernity. As you explore the flavors of Mastiha, you engage with a product deeply embedded in the identity and history of Chios.

Mysterious substance: Mastiha, a natural resin obtained through the cultivation of certain lentisc trees, can only be found in one place in the world.
Mysterious substance: Mastiha, a natural resin obtained through the cultivation of certain lentisc trees, can only be found in one place in the world.
Unique place: The variety of lentisc tree that produces the aromatic 'mastiha' resin (Pistacia Lentiscus) grows around 24 villages in southern Chios, collectively known as the mastiha villages or 'Mastihohoria'.
Unique place: The variety of lentisc tree that produces the aromatic ‘mastiha’ resin (Pistacia Lentiscus) grows around 24 villages in southern Chios, collectively known as the mastiha villages or ‘Mastihohoria’.
Cultivation process: Mastiha production -- clockwise from top left -- starts with weeding an area below the tree and sweeping it clean, then a 'table' is created with limestone for the resin to fall onto, finally, surface incisions are made once the substance has congealed.
Cultivation process: Mastiha production — clockwise from top left — starts with weeding an area below the tree and sweeping it clean, then a ‘table’ is created with limestone for the resin to fall onto, finally, surface incisions are made once the substance has congealed.
Expensive technique: Pyrgi has been one of the wealthiest villages in the Mediterranean over the ages, partly thanks to its 'Mastihohoria' status.
Expensive technique: Pyrgi has been one of the wealthiest villages in the Mediterranean over the ages, partly thanks to its ‘Mastihohoria’ status.
Painted village: The house façades in Pyrgi, one of the mastiha villages, are decorated using a technique called sgraffito.
Painted village: The house façades in Pyrgi, one of the mastiha villages, are decorated using a technique called sgraffito.
Mastic-producing tradition: The history of mastiha is explored in a new museum located on a ridge outside Pyrgi.
Mastic-producing tradition: The history of mastiha is explored in a new museum located on a ridge outside Pyrgi.
Versatile product: Mastiha liqueur is one of the many products made from the resin.
Versatile product: Mastiha liqueur is one of the many products made from the resin.
Sweet treat: The 'submarine,' a soft mastiha fondant served around a spoon in ice cold water, is popular with young children.
Sweet treat: The ‘submarine,’ a soft mastiha fondant served around a spoon in ice cold water, is popular with young children.
According to local legend, lentisc trees saw the suffering of St. Isidore when he was dragged by horses on the rough terrain of Chios and cried tears of mastiha.
‘Magical’ element: According to local legend, lentisc trees saw the suffering of St. Isidore when he was dragged by horses on the rough terrain of Chios and cried tears of mastiha.
Cocktail ingredient: Award-winning mixologist Iakovos Konstantas has created a cocktail named Black Pebbles that's made from mastiha liqueur.
Cocktail ingredient: Award-winning mixologist Iakovos Konstantas has created a cocktail named Black Pebbles that’s made from mastiha liqueur.
Healing properties: The product is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine by the European Medicines Agency.
Healing properties: The product is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine by the European Medicines Agency.
Growing trade: The official masitha shop in Chios Town sells hundreds of products made from the resin.
Growing trade: The official masitha shop in Chios Town sells hundreds of products made from the resin.


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