Greek Mastic, often called the "tears of Chios," is a highly prized natural resin harvested exclusively from the mastic tree on the Greek island of Chios. It is world-renowned for its unique, pine-like, cedar-infused aroma and its subtly sweet, resinous flavor.
This precious ingredient is a cornerstone of Mediterranean culinary traditions, famous for its ability to impart a luxurious, chewy texture and a sophisticated, woody fragrance to desserts like ice creams (such as traditional dondurma), puddings, sweet pastries, and traditional breads like tsoureki. Its distinct, clean scent is unmistakable and brings an unparalleled level of elegance and authenticity to your gourmet kitchen.
Pro Tip for Usage: Because Mastic is a hardened resin, it can be difficult to work with. To grind it effectively, place the mastic pearls in the freezer for about 15–30 minutes to make them brittle. Then, grind them in a mortar and pestle with a small amount of sugar—this prevents the resin from turning into a sticky paste and helps it pulverize into a fine, workable powder.