Mastiha is the resin of the lentisc tree (Pistacia lentiscus, "schinos" in greek). Curiously, while lentisc trees grow wild throughout the Mediterranean, the southern part of the island of Chios in Greece is the only place where they are systematically cultivated and produce mastiha. Three unique factors combine to identify mastiha with southern Chios:
- the Chios's special microclimate where hot, arid summers in the southern Mastihohoria villages permit the mastiha to dry. This is crucial because mastiha spoils if it gets wet before it matures.
- methodical eugenics applied since the ancient years to produce a species of lentisc tree that is over-productive in mastiha. In fact, modern botany has recognized the mastiha tree as a separate variety named Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia.
- the good management by the ancient Chians, who systematized the cultivation of the mastiha tree, standardized the product and established a market for it.
Since 1997, Chios mastiha has been identified as a Protected Designation of Origin product (PDO), subject to the EU Regulation No. 123/1997 (L0224/24-1/97).
Mastiha has been known since the antiquity primarily for its pharmaceutical properties and culinary uses. See more details in the following section about mastiha across the centuries.
The Mastiha tree: Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia
The mastiha tree is a shrub whose height ranges from two to three meters; old plants can reach up to five meters height. It has few requirements and survives drought conditions by utilizing the scant morning dew. At the same time, the mastiha tree is vulnerable to cold, and frosts, rarely occurring in southern Chios, will burn it.
The mastiha tree has a lifespan of over 100 years. It begins producing mastiha after the fifth or sixth year and yields its maximum after age fifteen. After age 70, its yield drops sig- nificantly. The average annual yield per tree is 150-180 grams of mastiha, and yield can be as high as 500 grams or as low as just 10 grams.
Mastiha trees have a gender. Mostly, the male trees are cultivated because they are more productive. Productivity also depends on the distance between the trees, the digging around it (when the fields are not dug, the tree’s productivity declines), and variety. There are six varieties of mastiha tree that produce different quantities and qualities of mastiha. The Union of Chian Mastiha Producers preserves all cultivated varieties because each has a different resistance to cold and disease.
Mastiha can be kept indefinitely when stored in a dark, cool place, and better still in the refrigerator.
Mastiha Uses
Since the antiquity, mastiha as an ingredient has been known for a variety of applications related to health (indicated for coughing and stomach ailments), well-being (sweetens the breath, oral health) and beauty products (facial masks). In the contemporary times, mastiha's beneficial properties have helped it find its way to a variety of industries and related products. Some of its main uses are itemized in the following sections.
Culinary Uses
Chios mastiha is one of the oldest known spices in the Mediterranean and lends its distinctive aroma in many foodstuffs. Mastiha has been traditionally used as a flavoring for festive breads, brioches and biscuits. In certain areas of Greece, mostly of the Aegean Sea, mastiha is often used as a flavoring for sweets. In the northern part of the country, it is also used in confectionery, mostly for mastiha-flavored desserts and for a delicious ice-cream known as kaimaki, which has an unusual chewy and stringy texture thanks to the addition of Chios mastiha as a thickening agent. Modern Greek chefs acknowledge this spice for its unique aromatic, wood- and pine-like, exotic taste and pair it with a variety of other products and ingredients; for example, mastiha alongside tomatoes results in a tasteful sauce; it further adds delicate flavor in sauces together with white wine and lemon; and it also makes a perfect match with chocolate.
In the Mediterranean, mastiha is also used to flavor bread, and to make a sort of traditional mastiha-flavored cheese.
Moreover, mastiha makes an important dietary supplement, especially in cases of lack of trace elements.
Use in Beverage Industry
Mastiha is used broadly in making liquors and ouzo. There is even a liquor with mastiha itself as its main ingredient, and it is commonly served as an aperitif. Other than the characteristic flavor that it adds to alcoholic drinks, mastiha further helps in moderating alcohol’s harmful effect on the stomach.
In the Arab world and specifically in Iraq, mastiha is usually added in the local drink Arak. Moreover, the Arab people often flavor their drinking water by burning mastiha. During the process, its smoke permeates a jug which is then filled with water. Following the latest trend in the Beverage Industry, mastiha increasingly finds its way into a variety of beverages, as well as water infused with mastiha.
Use in Modern Cosmetology
The ancient belief that mastiha is gifted with therapeutic and cosmetic properties is supported today by modern scientific research. Modern cosmetology has started taking advantage of mastiha's clinically tested and proved antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties. Cosmetics enriched with mastiha oil guarantee deep skin cleansing and protect from skin aging. At the same time, they normalize sebum secretions, thus reducing oily skin problems such as excessive shine. As mastiha reinforces the formation of collagen, its frequent use can help dealing with wrinkles and guarantees greater skin elasticity. Mastiha oil further improves the general look of the skin and deeply moisturizes it, while it also has a particularly positive effect on acne-prone types of skin and skins with black spots. Currently, there are numerous mastiha-based beauty products in the market such as face creams, soaps, bath foams and shampoos.
Uses in Dentistry and Orthodontics
Mastiha enjoys widespread usage as an ingredient in oral health:
- In dentistry, mastiha is used as a component of dental fillings and tooth moulds.
- Chewing mastiha assists in mouth disinfection, in reducing the frequency of orthodontic problems and in gum strengthening. Moreover, thanks to salivation it humidifies the oral cavity, thus cleaning and perfuming the mouth.
- Chewing mastiha systematically eliminates or inhibits significantly the formation of microbial plaques. Therefore, it assists in the prevention of caries and periodontal issues.
- The substance Eugenol, contained in mastiha oil, is used in dentistry as an antiseptic and soothing substance.
- Mastiha is used as a toothpaste and mouth wash ingredient for cleanness and disinfection of the oral cavity.
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Use
Mastiha fights Helicobacter Pylori, according to recent studies carried out by Nottingham university and published in the reliable medical journal The New England Journal of Medicine [1]. Furthermore, universities in Greece and abroad currently study mastiha's action in relation to diabetes mellitus, cholesterol and triglycerides; for example, see studies in [2], [3]. It is also worth mentioning mastiha’s effect on liver function by stimulating its detoxifying activity. Products such as mastiha powder and mastiha capsules are broadly available on sale and help many people deal with the above health problems.
Furthermore, in July 2015 Chios Mastiha was successfully evaluated by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and received its European Union herbal monograph. This monograph comprises the scientific opinion of HMPC on safety and efficacy data concerning an herbal substance and its preparations intended for medical use.
According to EMA decision, Mastiha can be used in mild dyspeptic disorders as a traditional herbal medicinal product. Moreover, it is used for the symptomatic treatment of minor inflammations of the skin, as an aid in the healing of minor wounds. In general, Mastiha is a traditional herbal medicinal product for use in the specified indications exclusively based upon long-standing use. Other than the above roles, Mastiha is also used in ointments against burns, frostbites, skin troubles as well as in adhesive plasters.
Use in Surgery
Mastiha and its derivative called rosin (the resinous substance left after the separation of the essential oil from mastiha) are used for making surgical filaments. Very interestingly, this type of stitch is absorbed by the organism without the need of human intervention for removing it. A medical supply called MASTISOL (made in U.S.A.) containing mastiha is used for bandage fixation. Thus, the bandage is fixed with the help of a natural product that causes no irritation or infection on wounds.
Industrial Use
As mastiha is partially dissoluble in alcohol and fully dissoluble in ether, terpentine and other organic solvents, it is widely used in industry. Mastiha oil is used as a perfume but also as a perfume stabilizer. In textile and cotton industry, mastiha is used as a color stabilizer for textile starching, especially for silk. In tanning industry, in elastics and plastics industry, in the production of colors, glues and glutinous substances, in camphor production and in color printing, mastiha is used as a natural color stabilizer. It is also used for manufacturing high grade varnishes, such as airplane, musical instruments, furniture varnishes, etc., as well as making Spanish (sealing) wax.
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