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The Mediterranean spirit of the lentiscus
Mastic tree is also called mastic tree. It grows in the scrubland and particularly appreciates the Mediterranean climate. It is a plant belonging to the anacardiaceaes family, with evergreen foliage and giving small fruits. The first mention of mastic trees dates back to the Greek botanist Theophrastus and dates from the third century BC. However, even if the Roman encyclopedia mentions this plant, its first modern botanical description dates back to the 12th century. This plant was then observed in the islands of the Aegean Sea. Today, it is a plant widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean, whether in North Africa, Mediterranean Europe, Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq or Israel. In France,lentisk grows mainly in Charente-Maritime as well as in Corsica. Moreover, it is on this island that we find a foot whose age is estimated between 700 and 1000 years. This earned him the Outstanding Tree Award from France. The mastic tree has flowers that bloom from March to June. In the same way, a small edible and rounded fruit of about 5 mm comes to decorate this one. The latter is red and bitter when it grows but turns black and sweeter in winter.a small edible and rounded fruit of about 5 mm comes to decorate this one. The latter is red and bitter when it grows but turns black and sweeter in winter.a small edible and rounded fruit of about 5 mm comes to decorate this one. The latter is red and bitter when it grows but turns black and sweeter in winter.
Uses of mastic
The mastic tree is used in a number of ways. It produces a kind of resin when repeated incisions are made in its stems. This natural gum is produced in the amount of 150 to 180 g per year and per foot of mastic. It is light yellow in color and has a relatively strong balsamic odor. This is used in the East to freshen breath and protect the gums. Likewise, in traditional medicine, it helps fight ulcers, colic and digestive problems. Lentiscus wood, pink or ocher in color, is used in cabinetmaking. Likewise, it is excellent as a charcoal. The fruit of the lentiscus, on the other hand, is used for consumption and can just as much be eaten raw as in the form of confectionery in Arab countries. Finally, the lentisk is used to produce an oil.This is used in North Africa to make a kind of aphrodisiac butter. It is also eaten on bread in Sardinia. In Morocco, she treats burns and back pain. In perfumery, on the other hand, the lentiscus has the property of giving perfumes a green and fresh flavor. Its scent is obtained by distillation of its branches and flowers. On the other hand, its excessively low yield makes it a very expensive product. This is why the lentisk is exclusively reserved for fine perfumery.Its scent is obtained by distillation of its branches and flowers. On the other hand, its excessively low yield makes it a very expensive product. This is why the lentisk is exclusively reserved for fine perfumery.Its scent is obtained by distillation of its branches and flowers. On the other hand, its excessively low yield makes it a very expensive product. This is why the lentisk is exclusively reserved for fine perfumery.
