Mastiha
Mastiha, the treasure of Chios
Our apartment takes its name from Chios’s best-known product. Mastiha (mastic) is a natural resin from the mastic tree, grown in the south of the island for centuries. It is also called the “tears of Chios”.
How mastiha is made
In summer, growers make small cuts in the bark of the trees. The resin seeps out in drops, the “tears”, which harden in the sun and are then gathered and cleaned by hand. The harvest runs from early July to early October.
Protected and recognised
“Masticha Chiou” is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the European Union, and the know-how of growing mastic on Chios is on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The mastic villages
Mastiha is grown in the mastic villages, the Mastichochoria, in the south of the island. The best known are Pyrgi, the “painted village”, and Mesta, a medieval village-castle. Both are worth the drive.
The Chios Mastic Museum
The museum in the south of the island tells the story of mastiha: how the trees are grown, how the resin is harvested and how it is used today.
Where to taste it
Mastiha is chewed as a natural gum, and it flavours liqueurs, sweets, Easter bread and ice cream. You’ll find it in shops all over the island, and it makes a lovely gift to take home.
From Vrontados
The mastic villages are in the south of the island, a lovely day trip by car from Vrontados. There is a car rental about 200 metres from the apartment.