Mastic is a unique agricultural product that is only produced in a small geographical area in the south part of Chios island, called Mastic Villages. Mastic is a natural resin extracted from Mastich Skinos (Pistacia lentiscus var.Chia) trunk and branches under a special and careful process. Nowadays, you have the chance to experience the mastic production through thematic excursions in Mastic villages that often result to culinary surprises. If you look for a good reason to join that special rural activity, you should know that mastic is not only a natural food product (gums, sweets, fruit juice, pasta) but it has also various therapeutic effects for patients who suffer from peptic ulcer, cholesterol or diabetes.
In Mastc Villages, young farmers take you to a real field to show you all the stages of mastic tree cultivation. During that process, visitors are encouraged to try each stage by themselves through the use of traditional tools and techniques. One of the most interesting and charismatic part is that of embroidery. Here guests learn about the implementation of small incisions in the bark of the tree from which the valuable gum is extracted. Depending on the time of the year, the Mastic experience includes different surprises, such as harvesting organic vegetables, having a picnic under the shadowed mastic trees or tasting various local products.
By: Mary Kallivoka
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