Mastiha is the resin secreted from the trunk and branches of the mastiha tree.
In June, farmers carve channels into the trunk and branches of the mastiha tree. Over the next few months "tears" of mastiha resin drip and stick to the bark of the tree. Summer is the mastiha harvesting season and the long process of drying, cleaning, and sifting the mastic begins in September.
UNESCO includes “the know-how of cultivating mastic on the island of Chios” on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and describes the process as:
"a family occupation that requires laborious care throughout the year by men and women of all ages who participate on equal terms in the various stages.”