The Ancient Secret of Chios
For over 2,500 years, the unique mastic trees of Chios have produced a precious resin known as mastic gum. This natural treasure was so valued in ancient times that it was worth its weight in gold.
The mastic trees grow exclusively in the southern part of Chios, where the combination of volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate creates the perfect conditions for this remarkable substance.
ELMA brings you this ancient wellness secret in its purest form, directly from the mastic villages of Chios where harvesting techniques have been passed down through generations.
The Harvesting Process
Mastic harvesting is a labor of love that requires precision and patience. Each summer, farmers make small incisions in the bark of the mastic trees, allowing the resin to slowly seep out.
Over 15-20 days, the droplets of resin harden into "tears" which are then carefully collected by hand. This traditional method ensures the highest quality mastic while preserving the health of the trees.
The collected mastic is then cleaned and sorted by size and quality, with only the finest pieces selected for ELMA products.