Origin of the Spice and History

Mastic is native to the Greek island of Chios. It is thought that mastic gum has been enjoyed since at least 500 BC, and Dioscorides even mentioned the medicinal and cosmetic benefits of mastic use in the first century AD. It is also thought that the upper-class ladies of the Roman Empire used mastic in their cosmetic creams to cleanse and revitalise the skin.

Mastic is known have become internationally popular during the thirteenth century, after the Genoans conquered Chios. This is when its production increased and its trade grew around Europe. During the thirteenth century, production and distribution were increased, but in order to maintain a high price, excess supplies were often burned or kept for use in later years.