Chios mastic

Pistacia lentiscus

spice

Resin tears of the mastic tree, pounded to scent brioches, ice creams and Turkish delight with a pine and cedar taste.

Origin

Island of Chios (Greece)

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The tears are pounded with a little sugar, otherwise they stick to the mortar; one or two are enough for a sweet bread. They are also chewed as is, like gum.

Did you know?

Only the mastic trees of southern Chios yield enough: the name is protected.