Gum mastic is grown only on Çeşme Peninsula in the south of Chios in Greece and in the west of Türkiye. It is a plant of the Aegean and Mediterranean region.

The first information about the gum mastic was given by Herodotus in the time before Christ. The gum mastic is well known by the great physician Hippocrates. Galen from Pergamon; included gum mastic in all the drugs from hair loss to snake bites. Gum used to be used as an expectorant, to strengthen the gingiva and remove bad breath. It was known to be good for ulcers and stomach cancer.

The gum mastic is used as an adhesive and in perfumery. It also gives dishes a different taste. When added to desserts such as custard, it is quite delicious in terms of smell and taste.

In Bulgaria, it is made from raki gum mastic called “Mastika”.

* There are male and female mastic trees. The gum mastic yield is only from a male tree. A tree yields an average of 300-500 grams of gum. The yield age of trees is between 15-30 years old. The price of one kilograms of gum mastic fluctuates on average above 100 euros.

Usage Areas of Gum Mastic:

- It facilitates digestion when chewed naturally.

- It has a significant effect on oral and dental health.

- It is used as toothpaste.

- It reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack.

* Food Industry: It is used in jam/ice cream and dessert making.

* Cosmetics Sector: It is used in the composition of solar oils because it has the ability to absorb UV rays.