How Mastic Gum is Harvested: A Look at Sustainable Practices
"Pistacia lentiscus" by trebol_a is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
How Mastic Gum is Harvested: A Look at Sustainable Practices
Mastic gum, often referred to as the "tears" of the mastic tree, is a natural resin with a harvesting process as fascinating as its history. The source of this prized substance is the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia), a small evergreen shrub that thrives in the Mediterranean climate.
The Harvesting Process
The harvesting of mastic gum is a meticulous process that has been refined over centuries. It typically begins in the summer months, usually from July to October, when the weather is dry and warm. The process starts with the careful cleaning of the ground around the tree, which is then covered with white calcium carbonate. This creates a clean, smooth surface to collect the resin drops.
Harvesters, known as "mastichadores" in Greek, then make small, precise incisions in the bark of the tree. These cuts are skillfully placed to allow the resin to flow without harming the tree's long-term health. Over the next 15 to 20 days, the resin slowly oozes out of these cuts, forming small, crystal-like tears that fall to the ground or solidify on the bark.
Collection and Processing
Once the resin has hardened, it's carefully collected by hand. This is a painstaking process that requires great skill and patience. The larger pieces are picked directly from the tree, while smaller pieces are gathered from the ground. The harvested resin is then cleaned to remove any impurities, sorted by size and quality, and prepared for sale.
The Unique Microclimate of Chios
While mastic trees grow in various parts of the Mediterranean, the island of Chios in Greece is world-renowned for its mastic production. The southern part of Chios, known as Mastichochoria (meaning mastic villages), has the ideal microclimate for mastic trees. The combination of the island's volcanic soil, low rainfall, and abundant sunshine creates the perfect conditions for producing high-quality mastic gum.
Sustainable Harvesting Practices
Sustainability is at the heart of modern mastic harvesting practices. The trees are carefully managed to ensure they remain productive for many years – some mastic trees on Chios are hundreds of years old and still producing resin. Harvesters are trained to make incisions that allow for optimal resin flow without damaging the tree's ability to produce in future years.
Moreover, the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, which oversees much of the mastic production on the island, has implemented strict quality control measures and sustainable farming practices. These efforts have been recognized internationally – in 1997, the mastic production of Chios was granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union, acknowledging both its unique qualities and the traditional methods used in its production.
Environmental Protection
The association also works to protect the local ecosystem, recognizing that the health of the mastic trees is intrinsically linked to the overall environmental health of the region. This includes measures to prevent soil erosion, maintain biodiversity, and protect against wildfires, which can be a significant threat in the dry Mediterranean climate.
Conclusion
As consumers, when we use products containing mastic gum, we're not just enjoying a unique natural substance – we're participating in a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. The care and sustainable practices involved in harvesting mastic gum ensure that this tradition can continue for generations to come. By choosing products that use sustainably sourced mastic gum, we support these practices and the communities that have been the custodians of this remarkable resource for centuries.