What Are Mastic Gum Crystals?

Mastic gum is a resin extracted from a tree called the mastic tree, which "fruits" mastic only on the Greek island called Chios.

Mastic crystals

Mastic trees produce 'mastic crystals - tears' which are usually dried on and under the tree, hand-picked and packed either as crystals themselves or ground into a powder which is used as a dietary supplement that contributes to the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Taste and aroma

Mastic gum crystal has a distinctive (and unmistakable) aroma and taste that is somewhat reminiscent of herbal-flavoured pine. The distinctive taste of mastic gum becomes refreshing when chewed, which is why it has been chewed since ancient times - it was already an ancient chewing gum.

Large crystals for chewing, small ones as a spice

It is better to chew large pieces because they are softer inside, small pieces are usually hard as a stone. Mastic will freshen your breath. It is also used as a basic ingredient in cosmetics and as a spice.

In the culinary industry it is used in the traditional New Year's cake 'Vasilopita', traditional sweet pastry 'tsoureki' and other recipes for sweet biscuits and cakes, and in the production of preserves, liqueurs, lemonades and ice cream.

Properties of mastic crystals

Warning and instructions for use

• Store in a cool and dry place 
• Instructions for chewing mastic
• Spice
• 100% mastic resin crystals from the island of Chios
• Mastic crystals are of vegetable origin