MASTIHA
the rare greek resin behind dosi dosi’s signature spirit
Mastiha (mas-tee-ha) is one of the oldest documented ingredients on earth. It was known to Hippocrates, written about by Roman scholars, and prized for centuries across the Mediterranean.
It comes from the ancient mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia), and produces its celebrated resin only on the Greek island of Chios.
Known as the “tears of Chios,” the resin forms when harvesters carefully score the tree’s bark, allowing it to slowly seep out and crystallize into tiny droplets. In 24 southern villages, families have carried this harvest forward for generations.
Mastic Tears of Chios holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in Europe, and its cultivation has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A CRAFT PRESERVED THROUGH GENERATIONS
every summer, the harvest begins as it always has:
1.
Farmers gently score the bark of the mastic tree.
2.
The resin slowly drips.
3.
The Aegean sun hardens each drop into a crystal “tear.”
4.
Families hand-collect, clean, and sort every piece.
FOR CENTURIES, MASTIHA HAS BEEN WOVEN INTO GREEK CULTURE, USED IN:
HERBAL REMEDIES
traditionally used for stomach comfort, chewed to freshen breath and support gums, and applied in ointments for small skin irritations.
DIGESTION
traditionally enjoyed after meals as part of greek post-dinner hospitality and ritual.
SACRED RITUALS
long used as incense in churches and homes, known for its pure, aromatic smoke.
PASTRIES & COOKING
a signature flavor in greek sweets like tsoureki and mastiha ice cream, and in delicate syrups.
SPIRITS & LIQUEURS
traditionally sipped as a greek liqueur. we use it in our proprietary mastiha liqueur and canned cocktail.
THE TASTE
Mastiha is aromatic and bright, with hints of pine and citrus, a gentle herbal note, and a lightly cooling finish.
MASTIHA IN DOSI DOSI
Dosi Dosi distills a proprietary mastiha liqueur in California using imported mastic tears of Chios. The result is a modern expression of one of Greece’s most historic flavors, serving as the base and defining feature of our Greek Mastiha Cocktail.
