 Chios Mastiha Ouzo (left) and Mastiha Liqueur (right) | |
| Type | liqueur |
|---|---|
| Origin | Greece,Chios |
| Alcohol by volume | >15% or 47%[citation needed] |
| Colour | transparent crystal clear to yellowish |
| Flavour | mastic |
| Ingredients | water,alcohol,sugar, mastic |
Mastika ormastiha is aliqueur seasoned withmastic, a resin with a slightly pine or cedar-like flavor gathered from themastic tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. In Greece,mastiha (Greek:μαστίχα) ormastichato (Greek:μαστιχάτο) is a sweet liqueur produced with the mastika resin from the Greek island ofChios, which is distilled after hardening to crystals.[1][2] Sugar is typically added. It is a sweet liqueur that is typically consumed at the end of a meal. It has a distinctive flavor, reminiscent of pine and herbs. It is claimed to have medicinal properties and to aid digestion.[3]
In August 2012, wildfires spread across the island of Chios, scorching 12,740 hectares (31,480 acres) and destroying more than half of the island's mastic orchards. Because the product has a "protected designation of origin" from theEuropean Union, the fire not only impacted local Chios farmers, who lost approximately 60 percent of their crops, but also derailed the global supply of the product.[4]
Chios Mastiha Liqueur (Greek:Μαστίχα Χίου,Greek pronunciation:[masˈtixaˈçi.u]) is aliqueur flavoured withmastic distillate or mastic oil from the island ofChios. The nameChios Mastiha hasprotected designation of origin status in theEuropean Union.[5] Chios Mastiha liqueur is clear with a sweet aroma. It is traditionally served cold.
The process is regulated by Greek law and includes the flavouring of alcohol with mastic oil by agitation or thedistillation of mastic with alcohol. The solution is then diluted with water and sweetened with sugar. The final alcoholic strength by volume of Chios Mastiha must be at least 15%.
The only flavouring agents used in Chios Mastiha liqueur are analcoholic distillate of mastic or mastic oil made from Chios mastic. Mastic is the hardened sap harvested from themastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus var chia, a small evergreen shrub that grows on rocky terrain on the southern part of the island. Chios mastic is certified by the Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization as part of theHellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food.[6] The island's mastic production is controlled by a co-operative of medieval villages, theMastichochoria.[7]
Mastic has been harvested for at least 2,500 years since Greek antiquity. The first mention of actual mastic 'tears' was byHippocrates. Hippocrates used mastic for the prevention of digestive problems, colds and as a breath freshener. Roman emperors used mastic along with honey, pepper, and egg in the spiced wineconditum paradoxum. Digestive liqueurs, similar to Mastiha but made with grapes, were known as the Greek elixirs before theFrench Revolution.
Greek writer and journalist Zoe Rapti released a novel titledΈρωτας με Λικέρ Μαστίχα (Love with Mastic Liqueur) in 2013. The book is in development to become a film.[14]
