The Ancient Superfood Ingredient Everyone Needs to Chew On

Gum mastic is turning up everywhere…and always has.

A recent Culinary History Historians of Northern California event spurred me into finally writing about my latest ingredient obsession: Greek Mastiha, or gum mastic, and the growers who literally tap into ancient mastic trees — on the island of Chios — to drain the resin which drips as little “tears” then hardens over a 6-month harvesting process.

As I learned at a mastiha-infused lunch Marcia Gagliardi organizes with the growers’ association, through the centuries this subtly fragrant resin has been used in everything from cocktails to beauty products. And, of course, chewing gum.

There’s even a spirit made with Greek mastiha, and we loved little lemon tarts made by One Market’s pastry chef using mastiha, which also comes in powder and oil forms.

This isn’t a bunch of marketing folklore. WebMD says “It is also used to improve blood circulation. Some people apply mastic directly to the skin for cuts and as an insect repellent. In dentistry, mastic resin is used as a material for fillings. Chewing the resin releases substances that freshen the breath and tighten the gums.”

Cool, eh?

If you’re into DIY skincare this guide is an easy way to delve into using natural gum mastic as your secret sauce.

San Francisco’s Most Famous Cocktail

Strangely I’d never heard of Pisco Punch until Erica Peters talked about this drink, which was created in the 1880s by Duncan Nicol at SF’s Bank Exchange Saloon and which had fans far and wide including Mark Twain.

The drink is as legendary as the legends of its secret ingredients. Mastic is a prime suspect as the key to Pisco Punch’s charm.