Where does mastic gum come from?

Mastic gum comes from the resin of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), which grows mainly on the Greek island of Chios.

How is mastic gum harvested?

Mastic gum is harvested by making small incisions in the bark of the mastic tree, allowing the resin to ooze out. This process is labor-intensive and requires skilled manual work.

Can mastic gum be sustainable?

Yes, traditional cultivation and careful harvesting ensure that high-quality mastic gum can be produced sustainably while maintaining purity and effectiveness.

What factors influence the price of mastic gum?

Factors include manual harvesting, limited geographic distribution, slow tree growth, traditional methods, historical and cultural value, strict quality standards, and rising demand in food, cosmetics, and medicine.

Why Is Mastic Gum So Expensive?

Q: Why is mastic gum so expensive?

Mastic gum is expensive because it is manually harvested, grows only in limited regions such as Chios, Greece, has slow growth and low yield per tree, uses traditional methods passed down through generations, has cultural and historical significance, follows strict quality and sustainability standards, and its global demand is rising.

Mastic gum, also known as Arabic gum or damla sakızı, is a natural resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). Its high price is due to several factors related to cultivation, rarity, and quality.

Factors influencing the price of mastic gum

Let us examine the main reasons why mastic gum is expensive.

Labor-intensive harvesting

Harvesting mastic gum requires manual work. Incisions are made in the bark of the mastic tree to allow resin to flow. This process requires skilled labor and careful handling.

Limited geographic origin

The mastic tree grows mainly on the island of Chios, Greece. Its restricted distribution makes mastic gum rare and exclusive, which increases its price.

Slow growth and low yield

The mastic tree grows slowly, and the resin yield is low. It takes several years for a tree to mature and produce resin. Low yield and slow growth contribute to high cost.

Traditional knowledge

Harvesting methods are passed down through generations. Modern industrial methods are not used. Tradition ensures quality but takes time and patience.

Cultural and historical value

Mastic gum has a unique flavor and recognized health benefits, adding to its historical and cultural significance.

Quality, purity, and sustainability

High-quality mastic is produced following strict standards to ensure purity and sustainable cultivation. Sustainable practices and rigorous quality checks increase production costs.