Have you ever been to Chios? No? Imagine an island bathed in the golden glow of the Aegean sun, where the air carries a whisper of something special, something rare. This is Chios, a place where time seems to stand still, and where trees have been shedding precious tears for centuries. But these tears are different from others. They are mastic, a natural resin that flows only from the mastic trees in the southern part of the island and nowhere else in the world, a gift that nature bestows on those who know how to embrace it with care and respect.
The mastic trees of Chios are unique. Their twisted, wind-swept branches may seem ordinary at first glance, but these trees hold a secret deep within. Every summer, towards the end of June, the mastic producers of the island prepare for the harvest, a ritual that involves both tradition and patience and skill. Everything begins with clearing the ground around the tree, creating a smooth, clean surface where the white soil (called “asprochoma”) is initially laid, waiting for the precious mastic to fall.Then, with their skilled hands and a special tool called “kentitiri,” the harvesters make small, vertical incisions in the bark of the tree, allowing the mastic to slowly ooze out.
Over the following weeks, these tiny droplets harden into what the locals call tears. These tears are collected with the utmost care, and after the initial cleaning process by the producers, the mastic is transported to the Chios Mastic Growers Association. There, after all stages of processing are complete, it is carefully prepared for its journey around the world. It is a labor of love, passed down from generation to generation, performed with the kind of respect that comes only from a deep connection with nature.
And what an extraordinary gift of nature these tears are! Mastic is a true wonder. Its taste is like nothing else, adding a mysterious, almost magical touch to sweets, foods, and drinks. But its beauty and benefits aren’t limited to flavor and aroma. Mastic is also medicinal. Since ancient times, people have used it to soothe the stomach and freshen the breath. Today, in addition to its uses in confectionery, cooking, and distilling, mastic is also found in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Mastic is not just a resin. It is a reminder of the island’s rich history, its connection to nature, and the way its inhabitants have always found beauty and value in the simplest things. So, the next time you taste the unique flavor of mastic or indulge in its aroma, remember that these rare tears hold within them the magic of nature, the hard work, the tradition, and above all, the soul of Chios.
