mastico

Mastico is a term with more than one meaning in Italian and related Mediterranean contexts. In Italian, mastico is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb masticare, meaning I chew. In culinary and botanical usage, mastico commonly refers to mastic, a resin obtained from the evergreen shrub Pistacia lentiscus, native to the Mediterranean region.

Mastic, also known as mastiha or mastica, appears as small translucent tears that exude from incisions and harden on the tree. It has a long history as a chewing resin and as a flavoring agent in sweets, liqueurs, and certain baked goods. The best-known source is the Greek island of Chios, where the resin has been harvested for centuries and is culturally significant; other producers exist in surrounding regions. The resin is often sold in chewing-stick form or as a ground or powdered additive for culinary uses.

Uses of mastico extend beyond chewing gum. It is employed to flavor pastries, desserts, and alcoholic beverages, and has historically been used in traditional medicines and perfumery. In modern markets, it is typically marketed as a specialty product in drops, sticks, or powdered form, sometimes with designation linked to its geographic origin.

In sum, mastico can denote the Italian linguistic form I chew or a prized Mediterranean resin derived from Pistacia lentiscus, celebrated for its distinctive aroma and historical role in food and culture.