
Mysterious substance: Mastiha, a natural resin obtained through the cultivation of certain lentisc trees, can only be found in one place in the world.

Unique place: The variety of lentisc tree that produces the aromatic "mastiha" resin (Pistacia Lentiscus) grows around 24 villages in southern Chios, collectively known as the mastiha villages or "Mastihohoria".

Cultivation process: Mastiha production -- clockwise from top left -- starts with weeding an area below the tree and sweeping it clean, then a "table" is created with limestone for the resin to fall onto, finally, surface incisions are made once the substance has congealed.

Expensive technique: Pyrgi has been one of the wealthiest villages in the Mediterranean over the ages, partly thanks to its "Mastihohoria" status.

Painted village: The house façades in Pyrgi, one of the mastiha villages, are decorated using a technique called sgraffito.

Mastic-producing tradition: The history of mastiha is explored in a new museum located on a ridge outside Pyrgi.

Versatile product: Mastiha liqueur is one of the many products made from the resin.

Sweet treat: The "submarine," a soft mastiha fondant served around a spoon in ice cold water, is popular with young children.

'Magical' element: According to local legend, lentisc trees saw the suffering of St. Isidore when he was dragged by horses on the rough terrain of Chios and cried tears of mastiha.

Cocktail ingredient: Award-winning mixologist Iakovos Konstantas has created a cocktail named Black Pebbles that's made from mastiha liqueur.

Healing properties: The product is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine by the European Medicines Agency.


Renewed interest: "We export 90% of our annual production to 45 countries," says Ilias Smyrnioudis, research manager for the Mastiha Owners Association.