what is mastik gum?

Question

it´s in a recipe and I don't know what it is!

Answer 1

A hard, brittle, transparent resin, also known as mastic, is obtained from the tree. The resin is collected by bleeding from small cuts made in the bark. When chewed, the resin becomes bright white and opaque.
Mastic resin is a relatively expensive kind of spice, used in liquors (mastica alcoholic drink) and chewing gum pastiles. It is also a key ingredient in dondurma, a Turkish ice cream, and Turkish puddings granting that confection its unusual texture and bright whiteness. It was the Sultan's privilege to chew mastic, and it was considered to have healing properties. Mastic is also used for pastry making, drinks, baked goods, chewing gum, cosmetics such as toothpaste, lotions for the hair and skin and perfumes. It is also used in preparation of Turkish Delight.

It is used in cooking of many dishes in Egypt, ranging from soup to meats to dessert. It is also chewed as a gum to sooth the stomach.

The best period for harvesting is July and August. After the mastic is collected it is spread out to dry while it is washed manually.

The best qualities grow in the Greek island of Chios in the Aegean Sea, where it is also known by the name "Chios Tears". Chios's native drink, Mastichato, a smooth sweet smelling mastic liqueur and mastic-flavored ouzo, are made from the famous "Chios Tears". In culinary uses, it can also be enjoyed in baking and in sweets such as biscuits, mastic ice cream, and mastic Sweets of the Spoon. In its refined form it is also used as the primary ingredient for toothpaste, shampoos and perfumes. People in the Mediterranean region have used mastic as a medicine for gastrointestinal ailments for several thousand years. The first century Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides wrote about the medicinal properties of mastic in his classic treatise De Materia Medica

Answer 2

Hello. -

MASTIC GUM:

What is it? Mastic gum is a herbal medicine used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. An ulcer is a painful sore or hole in the lining of your stomach or intestine. Mastic gum may also be used to treat a Helicobacter (hee-li-ko-BAK-ter) pylori (pi-LOR-ee) or H. pylori infection (in-FEK-shun). H. pylori is a bacteria or germ that causes infection that lives in the sticky lining of your stomach wall and intestines.

Other names for mastic gum include: Pistacia lentiscus, lentisk, and mastix.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using: Tell your doctor if you ...

are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
are breastfeeding
have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much mastic gum you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking it. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
Chest pain
Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
Other Side Effects: You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

Diarrhea (loose stools)
References:
1. Anon: Masic Gum. In : DerMarderosian A (ed): The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO: 2000.

Have a nice day. :)

Answer 3

It's a gum-like ingredient growing on trees which can only be found in Greece on the island of Chios.