Chios: island of mastiha

Hidden in the north-eastern Aegean Sea, Chios is a place where history, nature, and craftsmanship intertwine. The island’s rolling hills, sun-soaked groves, and salt-kissed breezes create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Greece. Yet, what truly sets Chios apart is something rarer still - the mastiha tree, a small evergreen that produces the world’s only natural mastic resin. Revered since antiquity and protected by the European Union as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) ingredient, mastiha is known as the “tears of Chios.” It is the heart and soul of both the island and Axia’s distinctive Aegean spirit.

The home of the mastiha tree

Mastiha has been cultivated exclusively in the southern region of Chios for over 2,500 years. This unique distribution is not coincidence - it’s the direct result of a remarkable microclimate found only in this part of the island. The combination of mineral-rich soil, gentle winds, and long, dry summers creates the perfect environment for the mastiha tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia) to thrive. Even attempts to grow it on neighbouring islands with similar conditions have failed, reinforcing Chios’s unparalleled role in the world of mastiha production.

Each summer, local growers begin the age-old process of “milking” the trees - a term that refers to making small incisions in the bark to allow droplets of aromatic resin to form. Over several weeks, these hardened crystals are carefully gathered by hand, then washed, sorted, and prepared for use. This manual craftsmanship has remained largely unchanged for centuries, a living tradition passed down through generations.

The heritage villages of Chios

The Mastichochoria, or “mastiha villages,” are small medieval settlements built around the cultivation of this precious resin. Enclosed by stone walls and labyrinthine alleys, these villages once protected their inhabitants and harvests from pirates. Today, they preserve a slower rhythm of life and a deep connection to nature. Villages like Pyrgi, known for its striking black-and-white geometric facades, and Mesta, with its fortified architecture, are living museums of Greek craftsmanship.

The people of Chios take enormous pride in their guardianship of mastiha. Through the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, hundreds of small farmers work collectively to protect the ecosystem, manage sustainable production, and promote the island’s cultural identity worldwide. This cooperative model ensures fair distribution of income and supports rural communities, keeping ancient practices alive in the 21st century.

Mastiha’s role in Greek life and beyond

Mastiha’s value has always extended far beyond its rarity. The ancient Greeks referred to it as “the world’s first chewing gum” and prized it for its medicinal properties, using it in everything from perfumes and ointments to snakebite antidotes. Romans used mastiha for incense and culinary flavouring, while Byzantine traders exported it across the Eastern Mediterranean. Today, it remains a key ingredient in Greek gastronomy, lending its distinct pine, citrus, and herbal notes to pastries, liqueurs, and spirits.

For Axia, mastiha represents more than an ingredient - it’s a link to history. The aromatic resin is carefully distilled using double copper pot distillation, resulting in an extra-dry spirit that captures both the freshness of the Aegean and the depth of Mediterranean botanicals. Each bottle pays homage to its island of origin, featuring the coiled snake symbol that honours mastiha’s ancient use as a healing elixir.

Sustainability and the future of Chios

Chios’s relationship with mastiha is as much about stewardship as it is about craft. The resin’s production cycle fosters ecological balance: its collection process doesn’t harm the tree, and cultivation supports biodiversity across the island’s arid landscapes. The economic impact is just as vital - mastiha remains one of Chios’s most important exports, supporting families and encouraging younger generations to continue traditional farming in an era of global change.

Through Axia, the story of Chios finds new resonance in the modern world. By transforming this ancient resin into a contemporary spirit for bartenders and cocktail lovers, Axia ensures that the legacy of mastiha continues to thrive.