Mastic

Mastic is the crystallized sap of the mastic shrub (Pistacia lentiscus), a kind of wild pistachio that grows only on southern parts of Chios island. Very popular in Arab countries and throughout the Middle East, mastic is used as a flavoring mainly in sweets, ice cream, breads, and drinks. Mastic was the chewing gum of the ancients—hence the word “masticate.” Mastic is sold in Middle Eastern and ethnic grocery stores (see Sources). Store in a cool, dry place or in the freezer. When grinding mastic in a spice grinder, always mix the crystals with sugar and other spices you need for the recipe to prevent the heat of the motor from melting the mastic, which could otherwise stick to the blades of the grinder.