resin a sticky secretion of certain trees and shrubs; or any synthetic substance which has the property of naturally occurring resins. Resins resemble gum in some respects although differing in others. Gums are soluble in water, whereas resins are not, although soluble in alcohol. Also, while gums are more or less devoid of flavour, resins contain essential oils which do have flavour and can be put to use in making flavourings.
Resins are often extracted by incisions in the bark of the trees or shrubs which yield them. Examples with food uses are mastic, obtained from plants of the genus Pistacia; balsam of various kinds; asafoetida (and the spice silphium of classical times).
