Mastic (in scientific terms called Pistacia lentiscus) is called the mastic tree, but also its product, the natural aromatic resin.
The plant of mastic is evergreen shrub, which can reach up to a height of 3 meters. It has spreading branches and light or dark gray trunk, depending on its age. The surface of the shank has irregular plates, like wrinkles, such as the pine. It grows throughout the Mediterranean, from the Iberian Peninsula and France to Turkey and Israel. The mastic grows especially on the island of Chios, where the natural resin or gum is produced, and it is the most important product of the island, which also supports the local economy.
According to the tradition of Chios Island the mastic trees began weeping when Saint Isidore martyred during the Roman period, at around 250. However, the cultivation of the plant on the island dates back from the 3rd century. The minimum rainfall, the great sunshine and limestone soil composition are the perfect environment of success of the plant.
The mastic production starts from June until September and the operations are divided into four categories: a) work before the harvest, b) gathering, c) the first treatment of the mastic by the mastic growers d) commercial processing at the plant of the Union Mastic.
The collection of the mastic is of the traditional way. Before picking the space underneath the mastic tree is cleaned and white soil is placed around gathered from surrounding areas so that the gum freezes faster. Then the first embroidery takes place and on the 15th of August the first picking takes place by using a specific tool called timitiri. After the harvest, the second embroidery is done (generally every mastic tree needs 10 to 12 times annually embroidery) and then lullabies are done where mastic grower sifts the mastic, jelly most of leaves and dirt. After rinsing with water and soap the women unstuck everything over it ("pinch"). Finally the mastic is sent to the factory of the Union Mastic for further processing.
The Mastic is a vital product to the local economy and development. The majority of the production, almost 90%, is exported and it is exported mainly in Arab countries. A great variety of products comes from the mastic such as chewing gum or perfume for the pastry, alcoholic drinks such as the known mastic liqueur and also sweet spices. The mastic is also used in furniture and construction of musical instruments. Lately it has invaded in the area of pharmacy production as it has proven to have healing properties and acts healing for the inflammation of specific organs (duodenal ulcer, gastritis, esophagitis, etc.).
The Mastic is referred to as the traditional antidote against acne abscesses, cancer and it is responsible for the oral health. That is why there is a large production of cosmetics and skincare products for the face and body (creams, soaps, perfumes, etc.).
The mastic, combined with sugar, creates a sweet that is known to children and adults as "submarine" (ipovrichio). This sweet was one of the most prevalent delights of Greek Diaspora and gentry mainly in Istanbul during the last century.