What Is Mastiha? The Greek Spice Behind Traditional Tsoureki

If you’ve ever tasted traditional Greek tsoureki, you probably remember its distinctive aroma.

One of the ingredients behind that unmistakable flavour is mastiha, also known as mastic — a treasured Greek ingredient used in baking for generations.

Mastiha tears, traditionally used in Greek baking and tsoureki.

What Is Mastiha?

Mastiha is a natural aromatic resin from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus).

The famous Chios Mastiha comes from the Greek island of Chios, where the resin is collected in small drops traditionally known as “tears.”

Its flavour is fresh, aromatic, slightly pine-like and subtly sweet.

And when it comes to Greek baking, a little goes a long way.

Natural Chios mastiha resin tears forming on a mastic tree

Why Is Mastiha Used in Tsoureki?

Mastiha is one of the ingredients traditionally associated with Greek tsoureki, the soft, aromatic braided sweet bread enjoyed especially at Easter and other celebrations.

It is often paired with mahlepi (mahleb), another fragrant spice traditionally used in tsoureki.

Together, they help give authentic Greek tsoureki its distinctive aroma and flavour.

Freshly baked Greek tsoureki with its signature braided shape.

Traditional Greek Tsoureki Made Easier

Finding specialty ingredients like mastiha and getting their proportions right can make traditional tsoureki intimidating for first-time bakers.

That’s why One Bottle Bakery created its Tsoureki Baking Mix — to make homemade Greek tsoureki more approachable while celebrating the flavours that make this bread so special.

No searching for multiple specialty ingredients. No complicated measuring.

Just a simpler way to bring the experience of Greek baking into your own kitchen.