How we got here
Mastiha Roots is more than just a brand; it’s a journey to the heart of Chios, where tradition, nature, and human effort harmoniously unite. We are committed to promoting Chios mastiha by nurturing, cultivating, and sharing the unique culture surrounding the mastiha trees. Our mission is to connect people worldwide with the rich history of these remarkable trees.
The inspiration for Mastiha Roots came during a walk among the enchanting mastiha trees. Lenia, a native of Chios, returned to her village, Mesa Didyma, one of the 24 mastiha villages, after many years of living a hectic city life. Immersed in the calm and tranquility of the mastiha trees, she felt a profound connection to her homeland’s nature and traditions. The air carried the scent of fresh earth and aromatic resin, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves, alongside the wild rocks and the endless sea view, inspired her to create a brand that shares the beauty of Chios and the culture of mastiha with the world.
Chios mastiha, derived from the Pistacia lentiscus var Chia tree, flourishes exclusively in southern Chios, in the picturesque mastiha villages like Mesta, Olympi, Pyrgi, and Kalamoti. Its cultivation requires dedication and care, with each season demanding specific attentions to produce the precious aromatic resin. This natural marvel has become integral to the life and tradition of the Chios people.
One of our unique initiatives is the mastiha tree adoption program. This program allows people worldwide to connect with Chios and become part of the long-standing tradition of mastiha cultivation. By adopting a tree, participants support local production and develop a personal relationship with our land and its traditions.
Through our products and actions, we strive to promote mastiha cultivation and highlight the culture of Chios. We collaborate with local producers, support sustainable practices, and ensure that every product reflects the authenticity and quality that characterize Chios mastiha.
At Mastiha Roots, we believe that mastiha is more than a product – it’s a connection to nature, history, and culture. Our goal is to spread the value of mastiha and share its unique properties and uses with the world. We aim to create a community of people who appreciate tradition and nature and are eager to discover the secrets of Chios mastiha.
We invite you to become part of the Mastiha Roots community and discover the roots that connect us all. Explore our products, learn about the history and cultivation of mastiha, and join us on the journey to spread this unique tradition.
What your Adoption Contributes to!
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the intricate process of tending to Chios Mastiha trees, from meticulous pruning to the ultimate delivery of the final product.
Chios Mastiha gave its name to the medieval settlements of Southern Chios, described as Mastihohoria (meaning Mastiha villages).
Chios Mastiha, renowned for its unique qualities, stands as a symbol of nature's bounty.
Dearest Lenia,
I hope you can post this review to your profile. I got a bit carried away and wrote a lot because I had so many good things to say!.......
I can hardly express how happy I am to have discovered "Adopt Chios Trees"! My family and I go to Chios every summer but the pandemic made this summer painfully different. In honor of my 50th birthday, my husband adopted a mastiha tree for me. It was such a unique and beautiful gift that connected us with our beloved Chios in such a sentimental and profound way while we were suffering from nostalgia during this summer of the pandemic. I loved my gift so much that I, in turn, adopted a mastiha tree for each of our two cousins from Chios who are sisters. One sister lives in Piraeus, the other lives in France and we live in New York. The pandemic not only prevented us from visiting our beloved Chios but also prevented us from having our annual reunion with our beloved cousins. "Adopt A Chios Tree" fulfilled our every wish and found 3 mastiha trees next to each other which has served to unite the three of us and our love for Chios in a very special way this year! And they were so diligent in sending us great photos of our trees from every perfect angle!
Yesterday we received your package in good condition, oooh the scent when we opened it….. in one second, we were back on the island!
Thanks very much, efcharisto poly!
Very nice how it looked: the wooden giftbox with the certificate and the mastiha and the leaves!!
And I shall be honest, I was so very enthusiastic about adopting a mastiha tree, for him, that I already told him before the package arrived.
So we both were looking forward to the post!
Take care, stay healthy.
With love
Dearest Lenia,
I want to thank you so much for the pictures of the Chios trees. When I saw them together it brought tears to my eyes...sweet, happy tears. Thank you for your care and kindness.
Dear Lenia,
the mastiha has also arrived! What a beautiful package! You’re wonderful. Many wishes for your meritorious initiative!
Best regards
Wow!!! I’m overwhelmed with happiness!! Thank you so much!!
Dear Lenia!
Thank you very much for sending me the photos of the tree on 13.06.22, Monday.
The party starts at 17.00 and I will be grateful if it is possible to receive them by before the start.
I found out about your project a year earlier from a short documentary by a journalist from Bulgarian television.
Then I read a few more articles about you. Congratulations on the wonderful project and the way you are developing it!!!
I hope to see your mastic and olive trees one day!
With best regards and wishes,
Hello Lenia!
I don't know if I ever sent you an update, but my instructor was moved to tears by the dedication of the tree. It made her very happy! Thank you again.
I have attached as a PDF my final report on mastic. I got a perfect mark! I wanted you to see the research I did. It is in English and a little bit technical and focused on artifact conservation. It looks much better with your photos! Thank you for those.
Wishing you all the best, stay safe,
The idea of adopting the trees and thus reviving the abandoned orchards is absolutely beautiful and it really moved me. I can imagine it's hard work and believe it is a remarkable job Lenia and the team are doing. So I am a proud adopter of a Mastiha tree which I have also visited. Lenia was so kind to show and tell us all about the traditional ways of cultivating the mastiha trees.
I am glad that we have met and I've had the chance to see and feel the vibes of such a gorgeous island and experience the well known hospitality of its people. Our holiday will stay in my warmest memories.
From Chios all the way to Malaga, Spain 🙂
It was lovely, opening the envelope and immediately smelling the typical aroma of the Mastiha! I love the certificate, the wooden box with your logo, the Mastiha pearls, the Mastiha chewing gum, and especially I love the branch of the Mastiha tree with the leaves!
Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
I also liked the envelope FULL of stamps, it seems to be the only way in Greece! Very original :)) xaxaxa
On our anniversary, my husband was very surprised and happy with the photos of "our" adopted Mastiha tree in Chios!
