Mastic Gum and Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO

Since when does the mastic gum from the island of Chios belong to the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO? And what does this label mean anyway?

Mastic Gum

The "white gold" of Chios has been harvested for thousands of years using an unmodified process. We will discuss the cultivation of mastic gum in detail in separate chapters:

• Mastic gum cultivation
• Mastic tree
• Mastic villages

The mastic is also a PDO product, which also testifies to their uniqueness.

Mastic gum is used as a flavoring in many sweets and drinks, especially in mastiha (mastika), a digestive liquor from the island of Chios. Mastic 'tears' or small pieces of the hardened tree sap can also be chewed as gum, which has been practiced for thousands of years.

Mastic gum is known in cultures and gastronomy throughout the Mediterranean and Arab world.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

What is the definition of intangible cultural heritage?

It is: "Cultural heritage is the expression of ways of life developed by a community and transmitted from generation to generation, including customs, places, objects, artistic expressions and values".

Mastic Gum and UNESCO - 2014

In 2014, the nomination of the "Mastic of Chios" as a cultural monument for the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage was accepted in Paris.

The history, values, customs and traditions of mastic cultivation and harvesting are now part of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

FAQ: Mastic Gum and UNESCO

What is mastic gum?

Mastic gum is a natural resin harvested from the mastic tree on the island of Chios. It has been used for thousands of years as a flavoring in foods, drinks, and for chewing.

Why is Chios mastic gum part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage?

In 2014, Chios mastic gum was recognized by UNESCO for its unique cultivation traditions, history, and cultural significance, preserving practices passed down through generations.

How is mastic gum traditionally used?

Mastic gum is used in sweets, drinks, and as a digestive liquor called mastiha. It can also be chewed as gum, a practice that has existed for thousands of years.