At Greek Gum you can buy mastic gum online and have it shipped to you the same day. But the process of harvesting mastic gum isn’t quite as quick and easy. Read this article if you’re interested in discovering how mastic gum is harvested.
Mastic gum, a resin with a rich history dating back thousands of years, is more than just a natural remedy or ingredient—it’s a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship. Harvested from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), this precious substance has been cherished for its medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic uses, especially in the Mediterranean region. But have you ever wondered how mastic gum is harvested? The process is both an art and a science, passed down through generations, particularly on the Greek island of Chios, where premium mastic gum is produced.
In this blog, we’ll explore the unique steps involved in harvesting mastic gum, from cultivating the trees to collecting the resin, and how this age-old practice remains a vital part of the island’s culture and economy.
The Mastic Tree: A Unique Plant
The mastic tree, or "Schinos" as it’s locally known, is a small evergreen shrub that thrives in the Mediterranean climate, particularly on the southern part of Chios island. The trees are resilient, able to endure hot, dry summers and rocky soils, but what makes them truly special is their ability to produce mastic resin. While Pistacia lentiscus trees are found in other Mediterranean regions, it’s only in Chios where the trees produce the highest-quality resin with a rich, aromatic flavor and health-boosting properties.
Preparing the Trees for Harvest
The process of harvesting mastic gum, known as "kentima" or "embroidering," begins in late June or early July, when the summer heat is at its peak. Before any resin can be collected, farmers carefully prepare the area around the base of each mastic tree.
They start by clearing the ground of debris and smoothing out the earth to create a clean, flat surface. This is known as "plakoma." White, marble-like dust, called "kalsos" or calcium carbonate, is spread on the soil around the tree to form a sterile, clean base where the resin can fall without contamination. This careful preparation ensures the gum collected is as pure as possible.
The Incision: ‘Kentima’ (Embroidering the Tree)
Once the ground is ready, the harvesting begins. The actual collection of mastic resin involves making small incisions, or "wounds," in the bark of the mastic tree. Using a specialized tool called a "kentitiri," farmers make shallow cuts on the tree's trunk and larger branches. These incisions are not deep, but they stimulate the tree to release its resinous sap.
The process of making these cuts requires great skill. Too many cuts or deep incisions can harm the tree, while too few cuts result in less gum. Farmers must strike the right balance to ensure the tree remains healthy and productive. The resin begins to slowly ooze from these incisions, dripping onto the prepared ground below.
Collecting the Resin
The resin starts to drip out almost immediately after the cuts are made. Initially, the mastic gum is a sticky, translucent liquid, but over time it hardens into drops or "tears" as it comes into contact with the air. These tears can take up to 15 to 20 days to fully solidify and fall to the ground, at which point they are ready for collection.
During the harvest period, which lasts from July through September, farmers regularly check the trees to collect the hardened mastic tears. The resin is carefully picked up by hand, ensuring that no dirt or debris is mixed in with the gum. The larger pieces are easier to collect, while smaller pieces may need to be sifted out from the marble dust. This step is labor-intensive but crucial for ensuring the purity and quality of the final product.
Cleaning and Sorting the Mastic
After the resin is collected, the next step is to clean it. Farmers use traditional methods to wash and remove any dust, soil, or other impurities from the gum. The cleaning process can be time-consuming, as it involves scrubbing and rinsing each piece of mastic by hand.
Once cleaned, the mastic gum is sorted by size and quality. Larger tears are often considered more valuable, especially when used for culinary purposes, while smaller or more irregular pieces may be used for medicinal or cosmetic applications.
The Role of Cooperative Associations
One of the key factors that has preserved the traditional methods of mastic gum harvesting is the establishment of the Chios Mastiha Growers Association. Founded in 1938, this cooperative organization plays a vital role in supporting local farmers and ensuring that the mastic gum industry remains sustainable.
The association helps regulate the quality of the gum, provides resources and education to farmers, and manages the export of mastic gum around the world. This system not only protects the traditional harvesting methods but also ensures that the farmers are fairly compensated for their labor and expertise.
Sustainability and Care for the Trees
One of the most remarkable aspects of mastic gum harvesting is the careful consideration for the long-term health of the mastic trees. These trees can live for several decades, and they are never over-harvested. Farmers ensure that each tree is given time to recover after the harvest season, allowing the wounds to heal so the tree can continue producing resin in future years.
This sustainable approach has allowed mastic tree cultivation to thrive for centuries without harming the environment or depleting the natural resources of Chios. In fact, the mastic tree is so vital to the island's cultural heritage that it is protected by law, and in 2014, mastic gum from Chios was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
An Ancient Practice Preserved
The harvesting of mastic gum is not just an agricultural activity—it’s a deeply rooted tradition that reflects the craftsmanship, care, and sustainability that has allowed this practice to endure for centuries. From preparing the trees to collecting the resin, every step of the process requires skill and patience, and it’s this dedication that ensures the mastic gum produced on Chios is of the highest quality.
So remember, at Greek Gum you can buy mastic gum online and have it shipped to you the same day. But the process of harvesting mastic gum isn’t quite as quick and easy.
