A storytelling about Chios Mastic

Mastic is the trademark product of Chios island in Greece. This unique natural tear-like resin of the Chios mastic tree has multiple uses and its production and trade is a main pillar of the local economy of the wonderful island of Chios.

The production process has changed very little since the ancient times. Growers prune at the base of the tree to allow access underneath. In early summer, they clean and level the perimeter of the trees where the mastic will fall. Next, they spread white soil around the area so that the mastic dries up when it hits the ground (this facilitates the collection). In mid-summer, growers will make incisions in the bark which allow the resin to leak out in drops – often referring to them as tears.

Mastic appears to have numerous applications varying from medical uses to the culinary ones. Besides being used in toothpaste, chewing gum and confectionery, mastic is one of the base ingredient in the making of liqueurs.

A Greek grape spirit, mastic, is flavoured with the resin. It is commonly consumed as a digestif in Greece, but it also makes delicious summer spirits and cocktails. You can have it straight in shot glass, or you can go the old-fashioned way. Pour a bar-spoon of sugar, 4-5 dashes of bitters and a splash of water in an old fashioned glass and stir. Pour 2oz of mastic liqueur, add two large ice cubes and stir well. Top with ice and garnish with an orange peel. Enjoy!

Mastic is also found in recipes for breads and pastries, ice creams, sweet puddings, almond cakes and the traditional Greek spoon sweets.

The most traditional spoon with mastic flavour sweet is the underwater vanilla. Classic and favourite sweet, that reminds beautiful moments of our Greek childhood.Many years ago vanilla (better known to Greeks as "submarine") was the most favourite summer treat. The way to enjoy it simple, yet mouthwatering: A glass of cold water and one spoonful of delicious vanilla, sufficient to fill children -and not only- smiles.

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