Συλλογή 023: Mastic

Chios, my homeland, is known for μαστίχα, mastic, the resin of the mastic tree, σκίνος. This resin is unique to the island, cultivated only in the southern part known as Μαστιχοχώρια, Mastic villages. The resin is believed to have medicinal purposes and is used as chewing gum, in comsetics as well as in cooking and baking. Any time of the year, but especially during the summer as your drive around the region, you can smell it. My family is a mastic grower as well, as are many in the region. I spent many summers helping Dad with the harvest. The Chios Mastic Museum, is a great place to visit and learn about the history of the cultivation of mastic and its impact on the island. Here are some low light photos from one of our fields.

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