Mastic
Mastic is a hard, transparent
resin collected by crusting the mastic tree (
Pistacia lentiscus). Flavouring for liquors (masticha alcoholic drink) and
chewing gum pastiles are some of its uses.
It was the
Sultan's privilege to chew mastic, and it was considered to have healing properties.
The best qualities grow in the Greek island of Chios.