Tears of Χίος - High Quality Pure Natural Resin

Xioς / Xios tears are a rare aromatic resin, indigenous exclusively to the Greek island of Xioς. This resin is harvested, sorted and cleaned entirely by hand according to tradition in one of the orginal mastichochoria (villages which the harvest processing of the resin), on the island of Xios.

This product offers the best quality of tears, exceptional in aroma (and cleanliness / purity). Purity is thoroughly checked locally as it is a matter of uttermost pride (and regulations). The biggest tears are considered the finest grade of "medicinal grade" in the traditional cultural / historical sense (farmakeftikí piotita). The smaller tears are of the same purity quality and are recommended for incensing, but work just as well for other uses. 

The big advantage of the smaller tears is the they travel and withstand the heat much better, as Xios tears start to naturally gets soft at low temperatures compared to other resins.  The softening process starts around 17 degrees Celsius (around 62 Farenheit). It only affects the physical part of the tears, which can easily start to melt and become lumpy as temperature increases. There is no aromatic or quality degradation under 80 degrees Celsius (176 F), though, which is the temperature at which volatiles compounds start to vaporize

Tears of Xios have been a  core ingredient the preparation of, incenses, perfumes (middle note, medium strength fixative), cosmetics and all kind of remedies since the antiquity. It figures in a huge number of recipes, from all over the Meditteranean Basin since before 5th Century BC (when it is mentioned by Hippocrates, Theopharastus, etc)

It as also been widely used in food, beverages, desserts, etc.

In Eastern Christian and Greek Orthodox traditions, this precious resin is intricately linked to sacred incense, where it acts as an anointing, protective, and spiritually symbolic element for religious rituals, icon's scenting etc.

If you collect classical or antique (in a historical sense) perfume materials, Xios resin is an important ingredient, with its own discinctiveness, compared to, say, frankincense. It might need a little time to ge familiar with but then it is a provider of deep aromatic bliss.

The profile of the heated resin is elevating, has notes of pine, cedar, citrus zest and a nice sweet balsamic ambery undertone. The later grows as the resin ages (in proper storage conditions). 

Like all good resins, it can be kept almost indifinitely under the right cicrumstances (airtight, low moisture, darkness, cool temperatures). Its profile just evolves gently with time and is intersted at all stages. The color of the resin also deepens with age, from translucent white to deep ivory and even deeper gentle yellows.

Compared to frankincense, be it for fragrance, incense or traditional uses, both are very much compatible and complementary (different active compounds having different roles and effects).

Compared to frankincense, both as incense or chewed, the aromatic intensity is gentler and longevity is shorter with Xios tears. It is not a powerbomb like Frankincense can be.

As incense it remains remarkable, deep and completely transforms the energy of a space, with modest quantities.

Note for use : Many resins volatilize rather than “burn” cleanly, so too much heat easily causes harsh notes. Mastic, in particular benefits from gentler heat : placing beside, not directly on, the hottest part of a coal, or insulating with an ash layer or using an heater instead of a traditional burner / censer.

As a resin fixative, it is also less potent than frankincense, but very useful for capturing middle and top notes that it fits well with. It is also an elegant top note to work with s for giving character to all blends.

While frankincense immediate intensity is deeply enjoyable, Xios resin more gentle nature become a central part of its charm and elegance, once on gets familiar with it.

 The three, the resin and the people : a unique symbiosis

The "giving tree", Pistacia Lentiscus is an evergreen shrub around 3 meters tall, which reaches its full growth after 40-50 years. It thrives all around the Mediterranean basin, and with climate change it is slowly expanding northwards and has even been seen growing in the Jura mountains in Switzerland, recently.

However, it is only in Xioς anfd furthermore only in the southern part of the island and more precisely in thetraditional mastic porducing villages, that a special variety of mastic tree (Pistacia l. var. chia) is cultivated since milennia. It is the only variety that gives this quality of components in the resin, and sufficient size for the prduction of tears. That mechanism has not been fully explained but has to do with the microclimate combined with pedological characteristics (limestone + volcanic soil) and millenia of skilled refinement by the local populations.

There there have been many attempts to cultivate mastic in other parts of Greece and even in other countries, but without success for obtaining good resin.

The all-year long work, rooted in culture and tradition is fascinating to observe. I hope to post about in on the blog on occasion.