What is Mastic Gum?

Mastic Gum is an all-natural substance made from a special resin that can only be found on the Greek Island of Chios. It is a rare byproduct of the Island’s distinct topology, soil, and climate conditions. The resin is extracted from a type of Evergreen known as the Mastic Tree (Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia). Mastic Resin is a versatile ingredient; used in bakery products, perfumes, cosmetic masks, toothpastes, mouthwashes, creams, dietary supplements, and more. 

Research

  • Digestion

    Mastic gum can be used to relieve abdominal discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Mastic gum’s positive effect on digestion is due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds it contains.

    Source 

  • Dental Hygiene

    Chewing Mastic helps keep your mouth clean and refreshed. Those around you will notice how great your breath smells. This is because Mastic Gum reduces Acidic Saliva, Mutans streptococci, and Lactobacilli bacterium which lead to bad breath and cavities.

    Source 

  • Glucose/Cholesterol Levels

    A 2016 study found that mastic gum can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Participants who took mastic gum for 8 weeks experienced lower glucose and cholesterol levels total cholesterol than those who took a placebo.

    Source 

How to Chew

Begin by drinking a glass of water to ensure you have a clean mouth. Then, take a piece of Mastic and suck on it for around 30 seconds. The Mastic will absorb saliva until it softens completely. You can then start chewing. 

Tips for Effective Results 

  • Chew mastic daily for at least 15-20 minutes

  • Gradually increase the length of chewing each session.

  • Load both sides of the mouth evenly.

  • Combine different sizes and hardness of mastic crystals for more comfortable chewing.

  • Results should be noticeable after just a few weeks of regular chewing

How it’s Made

  • Farmers make between 20-600 small incisions in the tree, which naturally heals itself by
  • producing Mastiha. These shallow cuts don’t damage the tree’s core. 
  • Once the Mastiha hardens, the farmers scrape it off the tree.
  • The Mastiha is left on the ground to mature for around 2 months.
  • After 2 months the Mastiha is collected by the farmers, a physically demanding process.
  • The collection must be done in a careful manner, or the farmer risks breaking the resin into small pieces (We only provide the best chunks to our customers)
  • The Mastic Tree begins producing resin at 5 years old & is most fertile from ages 15-20
  • A fully matured tree produces around 200 grams of resin per year. 

What Does it Taste Like?

Mastic Gum matures from a clear sticky sap to a solid, yellowish-brown color.

The initial bitterness develops into a piney flavor with hints of Vanilla. It gives off a distinct blend of pleasant aromas consisting of cinnamon, fresh pine, cedar, floral, and citrus notes- resembling the tree itself. 

Still Curious? Try some for yourself

Get some!