Chios mastic is produced only in the southern part of the Greek island of Chios, in the Aegean Sea. Chios mastic trees have a unique feature: they are the only ones in the world to produce this aromatic resin in meaningful quantity, a phenomenon scientists still cannot fully explain. Harvesting takes place in summer, when producers make small incisions in the bark to let the sap flow out and naturally solidify into small translucent tears. These tears are then hand-sorted, washed and graded using ancestral methods passed down through generations. Chios mastic has been used since Ancient Greece for its digestive and cosmetic properties, and is the subject of numerous modern scientific studies.

Chios mastic is traditionally used to support digestive comfort, known for its soothing action on the stomach and digestive system, and is traditionally chewed after meals to aid digestion and freshen the breath. Mastic also has recognised properties that contribute to oral hygiene and a healthy oral microbiota. Scientific studies, notably from Greek universities, have highlighted antioxidant properties of mastic resin. Mastic is also used in Mediterranean cuisine as a flavouring in pastries, ice cream, liqueurs and traditional culinary preparations.

Chios mastic comes as small transparent or pale-yellow tears, slightly sticky, with a fresh, characteristic resinous aroma. It can be used in several ways: chewed — 1 to 2 small tears after meals, like a natural chewing gum, for 10 to 15 minutes, as the mastic softens with the warmth of the mouth and gradually releases its actives; in cooking — ground into a powder (in a mortar, after freezing briefly to make it brittle) and used as a spice in desserts, ice cream, bread and traditional Mediterranean preparations; or in an infusion — a few tears added to a herbal tea for a subtle aroma and digestive properties. The 10g bag contains several dozen tears.

Chios mastic is a natural product generally well tolerated. People allergic to Anacardiaceae (pistachio, mango, cashew) should exercise caution due to possible cross-reactivity. Store the tears in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct light, to prevent them softening and sticking together — in summer, refrigeration can help maintain optimal texture.

Food supplement. Not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of children.

What does Chios mastic taste like?

A fresh, slightly bitter resinous taste, with notes of pine and Mediterranean herbs. When chewed, it gradually develops a mild, refreshing flavour — a taste unlike any other product.

Is Chios mastic a chewing gum?

Chios mastic is, in a sense, the ancestor of chewing gum. It’s chewed the same way, but it’s 100% natural, with no additives, no sugar and no plastic. Ancient Greeks already chewed it for its digestive properties and for fresh breath.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.