MASTIHA GUM

Botanical: Pistacia lentiscus Harvest: Organically grown and cultivated Plant part: Oleo gum resin Source: Greece Olfactive ExperienceSweet and balsamic, notes of green pine and vanilla FeelGrounded, singular, flowing The mastic, schinos, or lentisk tree, can be found growing wild throughout the Mediterranean, but it only exudes an ambrosial balsam in the form of “tears” on a single Greek island. Each Mastiha tear is deliciously redolent with the aroma of sweet sap, a balsamic green pine note, and decadent vanilla. It has been praised as a luxury for its sophisticated flavor and aroma since Hellenistic times (~300 BCE). When placed on enkindled charcoal, Mastiha emanates a fragrant smoke that evokes a budding tree varnished in a pale chartreuse, shot through with the intrigue of sweet pine and pollen. This slow-growing tree offers a fragrant cultivation in the final days of summer each year, surviving drought conditions by sustaining itself on minimal morning dew. The Mastiha harvest takes place each year at the end of summer, and great care is required to obtain its precious resin. Small incisions are made in the bark of the tree, giving way to crystal clear “tears” that harden with contact to air. Provided there is no rainfall, these exquisite drops are collected, sorted for clarity and quality, and cleaned piece by piece – a task traditionally entrusted to women. The particular characteristics of the island’s soil and micro-climate, coupled with the ancient practices of cultivation and harvesting, conspire to make this unique gum resin available for our enjoyment in full flavor and aroma. All resin-bearing trees are direct descendants of the ancient trees that produced this same resin millennia ago. Delivering a sophisticated and unique flavor that subtly suggests pine and licorice, Mastiha resin is commonly used in Greek cuisine and beverages. It has been traditionally chewed in its raw form as a gum to improve oral health, clean the teeth, and perfume the breath. It is also used in balms and other skin care preparations. We recommend storing this resin in the refrigerator for prolonged freshness.  Bio Alchemy Olfactive offers the highest quality raw oleo resin that has been granted protection by the European Union with designations such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).  Shop our rare Mastiha essential oil distilled from this resin here. 35 g